salient

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective salient differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of salient are conspicuous, noticeable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, and striking. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

When might conspicuous be a better fit than salient?

Although the words conspicuous and salient have much in common, conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

When can noticeable be used instead of salient?

While in some cases nearly identical to salient, noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

When is it sensible to use outstanding instead of salient?

The words outstanding and salient can be used in similar contexts, but outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

When would prominent be a good substitute for salient?

The meanings of prominent and salient largely overlap; however, 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 is remarkable a more appropriate choice than salient?

While the synonyms remarkable and salient are close in meaning, remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

In what contexts can striking take the place of salient?

The synonyms striking and salient are sometimes interchangeable, but striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

Example 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 salient But the most salient thing Coughlin did in 2011 was say yes to Emada Tingirides. Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025 Another salient factor that could stoke legal action is the current state of the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR), which enforces federal civil rights laws in schools. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2025 The risks of stepping out of line have never been so salient. Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 20 May 2025 That is one of the salient points of a 110-page damning report released recently by the prominent human-rights group CASLA Institute, based on dozens of testimonies and extensive documentation that offer chilling insight into how repression has been normalized in Venezuela. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for salient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for salient
Adjective
  • Bregman is an outstanding defensive third baseman, which is the position Devers had played during his nine season tenure with the Red Sox.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • The 50-year-old British soccer legend was awarded a knighthood along with Oscar winner Gary Oldman and The Who frontman Roger Daltrey in Charles' birthday honors list, which recognizes individual outstanding achievements and contributions to British society.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Getty Images Iran launched a missile strike against the largest American military installation in the Middle East, near Doha, Qatar, in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iran's most important nuclear sites over the weekend.
    Michele Luhn, CNBC, 24 June 2025
  • The threat of Bezos, and the more existential threats posed by capitalism and the government mean that the interests of booksellers and the literal work of book selling is more important than ever.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Pakistan has announced its nomination of President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, crediting him with averting a major conflict in South Asia at a time when the U.S. leader is contemplating intervention in the Middle East.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • Jerome Galland As the competition among premium credit cards continues to heat up, one of the industry’s top players is making a major shift.
    Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Fragrance Foundation proudly recognized Leonard for his distinguished accomplishments both as the Hall of Fame Honoree in 1990 and as the inaugural honoree in 2000 for the first ever Circle of Champions.
    Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
  • But as three generations of the beautiful, distinguished Sinclair family converge on their private summer utopia, no one is talking – not even The Liars, Cadence's childhood best friends.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Salient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/salient. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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