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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective prominent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prominent are conspicuous, noticeable, outstanding, remarkable, salient, and striking. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," prominent applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background.

a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town

When might conspicuous be a better fit than prominent?

The words conspicuous and prominent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

When can noticeable be used instead of prominent?

The words noticeable and prominent can be used in similar contexts, but noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

Where would outstanding be a reasonable alternative to prominent?

The meanings of outstanding and prominent largely overlap; however, outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

In what contexts can remarkable take the place of prominent?

The synonyms remarkable and prominent are sometimes interchangeable, but remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

When is it sensible to use salient instead of prominent?

In some situations, the words salient and prominent are roughly equivalent. However, salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

When could striking be used to replace prominent?

Although the words striking and prominent have much in common, striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of prominent Kennedy has been one of the country’s most prominent anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists and holds such fringe views that 77 Nobel laureates got together to plead with senators to oppose his appointment to HHS. Allison Morrow, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024 The film, which is set in the 1800s, follows real estate salesman Thomas Hutter (Hoult), who must find a new home for prominent Transylvanian Count Orlok (Skarsgård). Angel Saunders, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024 Over the years, the show has featured prominent celebrities as guests, including: Jennifer Lawrence, Shaquille O’Neal, Paul Rudd and Billie Eilish. Daysia Tolentino, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024 The conversation with DuVernay is part of Marrakech Film Festival’s lineup of 15 conversations with prominent filmmakers, including Tim Burton, Justin Kurzel, Alfonso Cuaron, Sean Penn, Justine Triet, Walter Salles and David Cronenberg. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prominent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • But his rhetoric has taken a noticeable rightward turn in the weeks since Trump’s election victory, particularly on immigration, with Adams boosting the president-elect’s platform and appearing enthusiastic about the incoming administration.
    Anthony Izaguirre and Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
  • The ability to manage more concurrent operations without scaling hardware was a noticeable improvement.
    Shamaila Mahmood, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Park City is famous for its skiing and big mountain views, but the town’s mountainkind philosophy—which prioritizes sustainability, community, and a deep respect for nature—also defines it.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Sunday Lisbon is famous for its beautiful beaches, so what better way to close out the week than with an epic goodbye party at the Praia Princesa Beach Club?
    Iman Hariri-Kia, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • As a result, the Eagles possessed the ball for 12:58 of the 15 minutes in the third to take a commanding lead.
    Mike DeFabo, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Others won’t want to commit to Microsoft Azure as their cloud platform, despite Microsoft’s commanding lead in generative AI.
    Kathleen Gallagher, Journal Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Around them, the Franklin fire, fueled by fierce winds, ravaged the Santa Monica Mountains and forced thousands of people to evacuate from Malibu — the famed affluent coastal enclave that boasts picturesque beaches and celebrity homeowners.
    Corina Knoll, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
  • The Amazing Kreskin, the famed mentalist who appeared on The Tonight Show numerous times, has died at age 89.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But also like Dead to Me, No Good Deed uses the dramatic underpinnings of its central situation to give juicy, emotionally varied material to a cast of actors making the most out of every predictably outrageous zig and zag.
    Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Food and energy prices also can experience dramatic shifts on a month-to-month basis because of one-time or atypical events such as weather, supply disruptions or disease.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Some of Niagara’s most celebrated chefs will also be on hand to create small dishes for this spectacular event.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • But rather than Bowers & Wilkins simply providing more of the equipment necessary for the day-to-day operation of Abbey Road Studios, the pair have instead created a unique digital audio algorithm that intends to create the authentic sound of the world’s most famous and celebrated recording studio.
    Simon Lucas, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Also remarkable is the huge number of musicians who have passed through the bands ranks.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Archaeologists have uncovered several ancient Egyptian tombs containing dozens of mummies—some of which were found with gold tongues and nails—among other remarkable artifacts.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Nearly two decades ago, the lodge partnered with renowned Vancouver chef David Hawksworth, whose restaurants, Hawksworth and Nightingale, are icons of the city’s culinary scene.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
  • In a recent TikTok shared to her official account, the renowned chef and restauranteur, 54, showed friends and fans alike a childhood favorite dish that’s making many do a double take.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near prominent

Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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