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salient

adjective

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.

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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

Examples of salient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Despite a premise that would seem to touch on salient political issues, Universal Basic Guys has no interest in pointed social commentary. —

Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2024 The issue of immigration became more salient – and the AfD more popular – after then-Chancellor Merkel allowed into the country more than 1 million refugees in 2015, mostly those fleeing civil war in Syria. —

Christian Edwards, CNN, 2 Sep. 2024 The project is not far enough in the past to be historical, yet not close enough to the present to feel salient, and this creates a kind of dissonance. —

Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024 Indeed, as the campaign went on, crime became increasingly salient, eventually becoming the single most important issue for Democratic primary voters in that race. —

Abdallah Fayyad, Vox, 27 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for salient

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'salient.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Salient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/salient. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

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Last Updated: 10 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of salient

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