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 In between the prominent stars of the Summer Triangle (above) and the stinger of Scorpius (below) is Ophiuchus. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 Black was a prominent Florida defense attorney known for several high-profile clients, including Epstein and Kennedy Smith. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 24 July 2025 Lucrecia Martel is among Latin American cinema’s most prominent auteurs. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 23 July 2025 When the talks were most heated, Parker and Stone brought on Bryan Freedman, a prominent lawyer and bulldog negotiator known for aggressive legal maneuvering, underscoring how the dispute had escalated. —Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 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
  • Some people find that getting a tan makes their acne less noticeable, but these effects are temporary.
    — Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 July 2025
  • While Skai did point out noticeable shedding in the front of her hair, her overall appearance looks healthy.
    — Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 July 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • The hotel is only steps away from Asteria beach, the most famous swimming spot in the port.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Arguably, the most famous sub-Neptune is K2-18b, an exoplanet which recently made global headlines due to the claim that dimethyl sulfide had been detected in its atmosphere.
    — Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • The Sox scored four in the fourth to take a commanding 9-0 lead.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
  • And that one draw was only because two days were lost to rain at Old Trafford in Manchester when England were in a commanding position at a pivotal stage of the most recent Ashes series against Australia two years ago.
    — Paul Newman, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Definition of commanding
Adjective
  • But before the bidding begins, the famed weapon will take a press tour through London, New York and Beverly Hills in August.
    — Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 July 2025
  • The Accountant 2 star, 52, and the Deadpool & Wolverine actress watched the Boston Red Sox take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on July 11. NESN cameras caught the family sitting in the front row at the famed stadium.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of famed
Adjective
  • The past five years have been among the most dramatic: SXSW closed down during the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic and did not reopen in person — on a much smaller scale — until 2022.
    — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • Rising to Meet Modern Demands Health and wellness tourism has seen a dramatic rise in popularity over the last several years, both internationally and domestically.
    — William Jones, Freep.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of dramatic
Adjective
  • Even the celebrated success stories carry hidden costs, especially to society.
    — Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • The celebrated animated paean to small-town Texas aired its final episode in 2009.
    — Ryan Coleman Updated, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of celebrated
Adjective
  • There’s a certain romanticism that lies at the heart of these remarkable gins, something conjured, perhaps, by that dramatic meeting of land and sea.
    — Camille Berry, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Google stock has already achieved remarkable gains, growing 2x from $88 levels in early 2023 to approximately $180 at present.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of remarkable
Adjective
  • In addition to serving traditional English mutton chops, Keens is renowned for its extraordinary clay pipe collection.
    — Michael Solomon, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Bollea, who was 6 ft. 7 in. tall, appeared to dwarf Ferrigno, who was already renowned for his size.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 25 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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