salient

adjective

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Which raises a salient point: Which of Conrad’s children is best suited to run the family business in his stead? —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 8 May 2025 The good news about scientific consensus includes these four salient points: (1) Scientific consensus is based on collective insight versus individual-only opinion. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 Its more salient byproduct was the destruction of market forces, with the rise of noncompetitive firms; macroeconomic distortions in the form of inflation and debt; and the entrenchment of a chronically arbitrary state. —Javier Corrales, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 Kyiv's troops have repelled months of Russian counteroffensives, but recent weeks have seen their salient crumble and Russian forces retake significant ground. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for salient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for salient
  1. outstanding
  2. important
  3. major
  4. distinguished
Adjective
  • The Chicago Bar Association’s award for outstanding lawyer is named in her honor.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
  • The show has won two Emmys since: One in 2014 for outstanding interactive program and another in 2015 for outstanding creative achievement in interactive media.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 June 2025
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • An important first step is choosing plants that prefer the growing conditions present in your garden, like shade versus sun, for starters.
    — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • The intelligence teams gather during interviews preceding testing is just as important, if not more so.
    — Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Definition of important
Adjective
  • Catch Up On The Story Chelsea can become the first club to win all four major UEFA trophies – but who else could complete the set?
    — Simon Johnson, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Tuesday is the last day the House can hear most major Senate bills, a critical deadline for legislation.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2025
Definition of major
Adjective
  • Today, that distinguished tradition continues, with the distillery's current leadership or their cadre of seasoned master tasters personally vetting these casks.
    — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • It’s been a long time since Florida’s university system was put to such disgrace as the Board of Governors did Tuesday in rejecting the distinguished scholar Santa Ono as the lone finalist for president of the University of Florida.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Definition of distinguished

Browse Nearby Words

saleswomen
salient
saline
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Cite this Entry

“Salient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/salient. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of salient for Spanish Speakers

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