salient

4 synonyms and 6 antonyms for salient, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adj — Most noticeable or important; standing out as especially relevant.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

outstanding prominent

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

striking spectacular

Synonyms by Meaning

1. adj

Most noticeable or important; standing out as especially relevant.

“Let's focus on the salient points of the report.”

striking spectacular outstanding prominent

Opposites

inconspicuous trivial immaterial obscure petty

2. noun

A part of a military position, border, or structure that juts outward into enemy or neighboring territory.

“Troops dug in around the salient to hold the exposed ground.”

Opposites

recess

How to use salient

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

salient point salient feature a salient in the front line

Etymology

From Latin saliens, "leaping," from saliō, "to leap." The military and geographic sense of "jutting out" and the meaning "notable" both trace back to this image of something springing forward or standing out.

Full origin of salient →

Frequently asked questions

What does “salient” mean?

The word “salient” means most noticeable or important; standing out as especially relevant. In plain terms, standing out as important or obvious, or (in military/geographic use) a section that juts outward.

How do you pronounce “salient”?

“Salient” is pronounced SAY-lee-uhnt (/ˈseɪ.li.ənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “salient” in a sentence?

Here is “salient” used in a sentence: “Let's focus on the salient points of the report.”

What part of speech is “salient”?

Depending on how it is used, “salient” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “salient” come from?

The word “salient” comes from Latin. From Latin saliens, "leaping," from saliō, "to leap." The military and geographic sense of "jutting out" and the meaning "notable" both trace back to this image of something springing forward or standing out.

Is “salient” a common word?

“Salient” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “salient” have?

“Salient” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: most noticeable or important; standing out as especially relevant.

Related words

salience saliency sally

People also searched

outstanding prominent striking petty spectacular obscure trivial recess inconspicuous immaterial

Nearby words

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