striking

1 of 2

adjective

strik·​ing ˈstrī-kiŋ How to pronounce striking (audio)
Synonyms of strikingnext
: attracting attention or notice through unusual or conspicuous qualities
a place of striking beauty
strikingly adverb

striking

2 of 2

present participle of strike entry 1

Synonyms of striking

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Adjective

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noticeable, remarkable, prominent, outstanding, conspicuous, salient, striking mean attracting notice or attention.

noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

prominent applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background.

a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town

outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

Examples of striking in a Sentence

Adjective The poverty of the city is striking. There is a striking resemblance between the girls. an actress known for her striking good looks
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
There’s a striking bit of dialogue in which Lee says the only place he’s made for himself belongs to someone else. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 The design plays with geometry, reflection and depth—think warm wood panelling, bronzed mirrors, walnut tables, brass accents and luminous geometric details, including a striking hexagonal counter. — Jaclyn Degiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 The timing is striking, since the midterm elections are less than two weeks away and polls show Democrats with an edge in many key races. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 More striking is the sharp 9-point drop in the president's net economic approval rating from just the last survey in July. — Steve Liesman, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for striking

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1725, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of striking was in 1725

Phrases Containing striking

Rhymes for striking

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Browse Nearby Words

strike zone
striking
striking angle
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Cite this Entry

“Striking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/striking. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

striking

adjective
strik·​ing
ˈstrī-kiŋ
: attracting attention : remarkable, impressive
a striking costume
a striking resemblance
strikingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on striking

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about striking

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