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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective conspicuous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of conspicuous are noticeable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, salient, and striking. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

In what contexts can noticeable take the place of conspicuous?

The meanings of noticeable and conspicuous largely overlap; however, noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

When can outstanding be used instead of conspicuous?

Although the words outstanding and conspicuous have much in common, outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

Where would prominent be a reasonable alternative to conspicuous?

The words prominent and conspicuous can be used in similar contexts, but 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 would remarkable be a good substitute for conspicuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to conspicuous, remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

When might salient be a better fit than conspicuous?

While the synonyms salient and conspicuous are close in meaning, salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

When is striking a more appropriate choice than conspicuous?

The synonyms striking and conspicuous 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

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 conspicuous Appropriately, this episode revolves around Eric’s capacity to further pinch his nose as Pat and the studio try to force some … conspicuous product placement into Tecto. Jack King, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2024 Characters’ arcs, even if tentative, become conspicuous. Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2024 The Beatles, the GOAT of all pop and rock groups, are conspicuous by their absence on the roster of Kennedy Center Honors recipients. Paul Grein, Billboard, 10 Dec. 2024 The most conspicuous example is the open-air winter sculpture garden at the center of the residence, an intimate, confined courtyard that allows art and nature to coalesce. Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conspicuous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conspicuous
Adjective
  • Look for diamonds with higher clarity grades to avoid noticeable imperfections.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024
  • The Bayern squad has shown some noticeable holes this season, with the attack, in particular, lacking depth.
    Manuel Veth, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Is obvious that with new payment methods come new fraud vectors, and there are many issues that must be resolved before consumers can really take advantage of the new technology to ditch the mundane and free their minds for more value-adding distractions.
    David G.W. Birch, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • But for bitcoin investors who have seen a strong rise in the value of their investment, luxury goods — a designer handbag or high-end watch — are an obvious choice for diversifying one's portfolio, analysts say.
    Mimosa Spencer, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • One such name was DeSantis, Trump’s former primary challenger and prominent conservative figure.
    Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Dec. 2024
  • With every testimony, Al-Hamada quickly became one of the most prominent advocates for Syrian prisoners held by Assad's regime, at least 157,000 between 2011 and August 2024, including thousands of women and children, according to a report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR).
    Camilla Alcini, ABC News, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Editor’s picks On its own, its is a pretty blatant example of how TikTok’s popular meme formats allow creators to connect over moments that only become funny with time.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Many with a blatant lack of sympathy towards the murder victim.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 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
  • Establish User Fees for Expedited Permitting Reviews One of the most glaring problems in infrastructure and energy development are the delays caused by an excessively complex environmental permitting process.
    James Broughel, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Among the most glaring examples is Ninth Division Commander Gen. Roh Tae-gun (Park Jae-hoon, excellent), a weak-willed lackey seduced by power and greed who’s based on Roh Tae-woo, Chun’s successor as president in 1988.
    Richard Kuipers, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • 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
  • Also remarkable is the huge number of musicians who have passed through the bands ranks.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Filming activity hit dramatic lows in the Los Angeles area this year, driven by studio cost-cutting amid a broader industry retrenchment and the relocation of productions to cheaper locales, including the U.K. and Central Europe.
    Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
  • The latter, designed by Albert Frey, opened in 1965 as an Enco gas station with its dramatic triangular overhang protecting the pumps from the heat.
    Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 24 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near conspicuous

Cite this Entry

“Conspicuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conspicuous. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on conspicuous

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