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
Some of the most striking parts of your reporting are the moments these sailors missed back at home, including graduations and weddings. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 An open-concept design connects La Perla restaurant, an interior lounge and Tropicado Mojito Bar, where a striking walnut and green-tiled rectangular bar becomes the heart of the action. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026 The series, which includes two other styles with differentiated carbon plates and a striking yellow colorway, will see a gradual global release. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026 The combination of the two would make for a striking dual showcase for any actor — let alone one whose big break happened just a few months ago, following decades of putting in the work. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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