salient

adjective

Definition of salientnext
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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Synonym Chooser

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 The salient exception to this opposition is the similarly flawless tube that likewise conceals the labor of its fabrication as an integral part of its steel-become-fabric illusion. —Gordon Hughes, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026 The tone of Tuesday's speech suggests that Trump understands what's politically salient. —Averi Harper, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026 Immigration at the crux Immigration policy will likely be one of the more salient issues in the 8th Congressional District race. —John Aguilar, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026 Immigration enforcement has become a salient political issue in recent months, particularly in border states like Texas, where federal and state authorities frequently coordinate operations. —Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for salient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for salient
  1. important
  2. major
  3. prominent
  4. noticeable
  5. distinguished
Adjective
  • Another important note to make is that Lupaia is closed during the winter season for improvements to the rooms, garden, public area, and overall guest experience since the weather is too unpredictable to welcome guests during that time anyway.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Nonresidents have such an important role to play in the management of wildlife in Wyoming, and obviously nonresident [hunting and fishing] licenses cost a lot more than resident ones do.
    — Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • Following the price gouging session, two major refineries — Valero in the San Francisco Bay Area and Wilmington Phillips 66 in the Los Angeles area — have shut down, taking hundreds of jobs and nearly one-fifth of the state's gasoline production with them.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • On Day 1, the astronauts made it safely into Earth's orbit and the mission reached the end of its first major propulsion phase, NASA said.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • Strangely, as social media has moved from the text of status updates and tweets to short video, verbal commentary has actually grown more prominent and more viral.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Piker is one of the few prominent left-wing voices operating in digital spaces where young men congregate.
    — Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of prominent
Adjective
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Add in limited ventilation and the fact that windows usually can’t be opened freely, and the effects can quickly become noticeable.
    — Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • Saudi Arabia is using its East-West pipeline, which stretches from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, to transfer about 5 million barrels per day out of the Gulf, said Michael Lynch, distinguished fellow at Energy Policy Research Foundation, a non-partisan institution focused on energy and economics.
    — Cathy Bussewitz, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Advertisement Curtis Bradley, a distinguished service professor of law at the University of Chicago, told TIME that there is, at least, some precedent, citing President Jimmy Carter's withdrawal from a mutual defense treaty with Taiwan in 1978, which was formalized in 1980.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of distinguished

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Cite this Entry

“Salient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/salient. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on salient

Nglish: Translation of salient for Spanish Speakers

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