salient

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 In the meantime, there are salient economic issues that need better understanding. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2025 However, the most politically salient of the programming missions of public television has always been children's educational television, which Sesame Street has always exemplified. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 Join 53 others in the comments View Comments A salient example can be drawn from very recent history: When lumber prices skyrocketed amidst a pandemic home-buying boom. Alicia Wallace, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025 But showing why this has been such a salient issue for Trump's campaign, not only did almost 8-in-10 Republicans support mass deportation, 53% of Republicans strongly support it. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for salient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for salient
Adjective
  • That show earned her Emmy noms for lead actress in a drama series and outstanding writing for a drama series — in addition to BAFTA and Peabody wins.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Luckily, there are many outstanding options to choose from.
    Laura Jackson, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But this year the 54-year-old stepped into what’s arguably the most challenging, complex, and coveted role in American musical theater, Mama Rose, in the equally as important midcentury Broadway musical Gypsy.
    The Glamour editors, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Comments Emily Bett Rickards knew very little about professional wrestling before signing on to play one of its most important female trailblazers, Mildred Burke, in the biopic Queen of the Ring.
    Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Losing Miller — both as a goal scorer and as a setup man — has blown a major hole in Vancouver’s attack, and in its centre depth.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 5 Mar. 2025
  • If enacted, the federal government directly buying up crypto assets would be a first, signaling a major shift in fiscal strategy.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Curio’s approach to waste fuel recycling was supported by Per Peterson, distinguished professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, who shared his thoughts with me in both emails and an interview.
    Jim Vinoski, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Behold then the inspiration extravaganza that is the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach, where over 30 rooms have been transformed through March 16 into set pieces by 23 distinguished designers and architects.
    Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Salient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/salient. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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