prominent

adjective

ˈprä-mə-nənt How to pronounce prominent (audio)
Definition of prominentnext
1
as in noticeable
likely to attract attention an attorney who occupies a prominent position in the town's social hierarchy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in famous
widely known prominent figures in the history of sports

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 prominent Tesla was already struggling in recent months in connection with Musk’s prominent role in the administration. —Julia Shapero, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025 These events included small, private dinners with prominent celebrities in the entertainment industry. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 7 Apr. 2025 The series featured many prominent guest stars, including Ron Howard, who played Dennis' friend Stewart across several episodes in 1959 and 1960. —EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025 Anti-Elon Musk posters were also prominent, with DOGE coming under fire for its recent actions. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
  1. noticeable
  2. famous
  3. commanding
  4. famed
  5. dramatic
  6. celebrated
  7. remarkable
  8. renowned
Adjective
  • Based on the study’s results, Tucker’s team believes that survivors of severe trauma may see noticeable changes in their biological systems’ baseline levels.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left Augusta National Golf Club with a noticeable change in its lush greenery.
    — Ashley J. DiMella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • The all cash deal, valued at $1.375 billion, will merge two of the most famous Italian luxury fashion brands under one roof.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Augusta National will play host to 95 of the top golfers on the planet this weekend, and only one will don the famous green jacket early Sunday evening.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • Since launching his campaign in March, Cuomo has taken a commanding lead in the polls and siphoned some of Adams’s old political coalition.
    — David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The Big Cat still holds a commanding lead in career earnings at $120,999,166.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of commanding
Adjective
  • Douglass, the famed abolitionist and formerly enslaved man from Maryland, found refuge in New Bedford, a whaling town with a strong antislavery tradition.
    — Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The latest New York news Image Online rage invades a famed retreat: The Chautauqua Institution, a 151-year-old intellectual center in upstate New York, has been rocked by online accusations of antisemitism and liberal bias, as well as dismay over cuts to its opera budget.
    — James Barron, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of famed
Adjective
  • The move marks a dramatic shift from Trump’s earlier hardline stance.
    — Esat Dedezade, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Epic Universe, eight years in the making and sprawling across more than 100 acres, represents a dramatic evolution for Universal, and in some ways, the American theme park industry.
    — Todd Anderson, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of dramatic
Adjective
  • On Monday, April 7, Washington, 70, and Goldberg, 69, appeared at an event at the James Earl Jones Theatre — formerly known as the Cort Theatre — in Manhattan to pay tribute to Jones, the celebrated stage and screen actor who died at 93 in September 2024.
    — Tommy McArdle, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Set on a rhodium lapel pin, this piece merges industrial shine with organic form, a subtle nod to the celebrated flower of the Kentucky Derby.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of celebrated
Adjective
  • Thank you to all the remarkable health care workers, who take our lives in your hands.
    — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But when the Champions League anthem played, Spurs were separated from their domestic selves and now capable of remarkable feats.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of remarkable
Adjective
  • Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son attended the concert but did not return home, was among those anxiously waiting outside the club known for its traditional Monday parties where renowned national and international artists perform.
    — Danica Coto, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • On Tuesday, April 8, past winners of the renowned golf tournament will gather for the Champions Dinner at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.
    — Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of renowned

Browse Nearby Words

prominences
prominent
promiscuities
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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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