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 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 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 In the last few decades of the 19th century, sensationalism took the place of partisan politics as the salient feature of American newspapers. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026 Big business has never been more politically salient, but the CEOs who sit atop it have rarely mattered less. —

Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for salient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for salient

Adjective

One interesting trend is that this tournament will feature some very good tight ends, a position that has become increasingly important in college football and the NFL but not so much in high school football in the era of spread offenses.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
As technology becomes more sophisticated and the number of living survivors continues to decline, preserving authentic testimony becomes even more important.

— Eva Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026

Definition of important

Adjective

Maybe Bill Plaschke would be aware of that, and give due credit, if his hometown major newspaper bothered to have a dedicated correspondent covering one of the city’s NBA teams.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Some of these storms could be severe and deliver damaging wind gusts, but any thunderstorm will contain lightning — a major danger for any outdoor activities, especially for anyone trying to escape the heat in or on the water.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of major

Adjective

Arlington received a distinguished visitor Saturday as the King of Jordan stopped by during the city's World Cup festivities.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Liu, then a Tencent distinguished scientist (a senior title the Chinese tech giant gives to elite researchers) leading the company’s development of its Hunyuan AI model from scratch, saw where the industry was heading.

— Zinnia Lee, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

One prominent Cherokee named Katteuha co-wrote a letter to Benjamin Franklin during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, urging him to push for peace between the Native people and settlers.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
The effect of protostar outflows on their environment can be seen in the JWST image via the prominent blue ridges.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 July 2026