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

as in important

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

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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 Marji’s rebelliousness, both admirable and terrifying for those who love her, is her salient characteristic. — Hillary Chute, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026 But sometimes this connection is propagated within the community itself to make a salient point about a complex condition. — Sloane Crosley, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 But Nick’s most salient characteristic is his uncanny ability to make choices that might seem out of the box seem like the only possible option. — Oren Uziel, IndieWire, 1 June 2026 Her work often relies on extravagant, salient spectacle. — Lilyanna D'amato, ARTnews.com, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for salient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for salient

Adjective

Ironically, the authority of doctors was supremely important to medieval people, even if the treatments seem barbaric and ineffective now.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
That choice was to keep him fresh for the more important league game on the weekend.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of important

Adjective

Investors have increasingly scrutinized the chipmaker’s expanding financial ties with major AI customers.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
That ironic reality may await passengers on KLM’s new Amsterdam-Toronto route this fall, among other major carriers.

— Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of major

Adjective

Lederer, 67, has a long and impressive history in independent watchmaking, having been a distinguished member of the prestigious Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) since 1985.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
The distinguished Indian fashion brand Sabyasachi has partnered with New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for a new line of jewelry inspired by the institution’s vast collection.

— Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

Hidemasa Morita, the 31-year-old Japan midfielder signed from Lisbon’s Sporting CP, is struggling to build fitness in pre-season but is expected to be a prominent figure in a holding role.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Since his primary win, Lahn has met with party leaders and Iowa's prominent industry groups.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of prominent

Adjective

Some treatments made a noticeable difference; others raised more questions than answers.

— John Vorwald, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
The Kickstarter file came out dimensionally accurate, with good overhangs out to 85 degrees, but the stringing was noticeable and prominent.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of noticeable

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“Salient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/salient. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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