SALIENT Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

salient

adjective

Definition of salient next

as in outstanding

formal standing out because of prominence or importance the salient facts The salient features of the product are detailed in the press release.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Concern about the climate crisis has been especially salient amid the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, whose severity, experts say, can be linked to increasingly erratic patterns of rainfall and drought. —

Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2025 Since generative AI impacts a morally salient dimension of human life, decisions on its use should be rooted in ethics. —

Iese Business School, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 Hollywood’s ability to adapt and rally in the face of adversity is, perhaps, its most salient story this year. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 16 Jan. 2025 The New Jersey drone hysteria exposes one salient truth: no one knows anything For weeks, millions of people in the New York City metro area have traded concerns and conspiracy theories about the mysterious drones zipping through the skies. —

Emma Roth, The Verge, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for salient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for salient

Adjective

Each Movies 'Wicked' Star Jeff Goldblum Plays Piano During BAFTA Film Awards In Memoriam Segment Winslet scored a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in the film, with Lee also nominated for the BAFTA for outstanding British film of the year.

— Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2025
Our first priority always is to maintain outstanding security and operational excellence.

— Ayesha Javed, TIME, 16 Feb. 2025