conspicuous

adjective

con·​spic·​u·​ous kən-ˈspi-kyə-wəs How to pronounce conspicuous (audio)
-kyü-əs
1
: obvious to the eye or mind
conspicuous changes
The bird has a conspicuous red head.
2
: attracting attention : striking
a conspicuous success
His absence was conspicuous.
3
: marked by a noticeable violation of good taste
conspicuously adverb
conspicuousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for conspicuous

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 conspicuous in a Sentence

Conspicuous species of large organisms with small populations are vulnerable—and several fishes and marine mammals, including Steller's sea cow, have succumbed. Stephen Jay Gould, Natural History, June 1991
Its most conspicuous feature was knee breeches, which showed off his well-turned legs and feet. Richard Ellmann, Oscar Wilde, 1984
There were a number of conspicuous changes to the building. The sign was placed in a very conspicuous spot. The bird has a conspicuous red head. She felt very conspicuous in her pink coat. He was uncomfortable about his conspicuous weight gain. The business was a conspicuous success.
Recent Examples on the Web Before the direct primary, people’s party affiliations were even more conspicuous, Riddlsperger said, as candidates were chosen by caucus in which people divided themselves physically into groups to cast their votes. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Mar. 2024 If James prevails, he could be rendered a tourist in the city and state where his name was once a by-word for conspicuous wealth and glamor. Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 In an emergency, an emoji is a lot less conspicuous than a word or phrase. Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2024 After years spent honing her style while also working as a curator and art writer, she’s lately made waves with her vibrant, almost spiritual oil paintings of urns, columns, jaunty hands and theater curtains framing ombré skies and conspicuous moons. Caitie Kelly Kin Woo Kate Guadagnino Nicole Demarco Megan O’Sullivan, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2024 The Mexican music superstar’s absence was especially conspicuous in the best new artist category. Leila Cobo, Billboard, 7 Feb. 2024 But as time went on, the absence of a visible president was too conspicuous to ignore. Thomas Doherty, The Conversation, 1 Feb. 2024 There’s also the conspicuous inclusion of fire as symbol. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 29 Jan. 2024 After Swift and boyfriend Travis Kelce gifted the NFL with the sheer fact of their relationship, the league has made a conspicuous point of calling attention to her presence at this season’s games. Li Goldstein, Bon Appétit, 26 Jan. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Latin conspicuus, from conspicere to get sight of, from com- + specere to look — more at spy

First Known Use

circa 1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conspicuous was circa 1534

Dictionary Entries Near conspicuous

Cite this Entry

“Conspicuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conspicuous. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

conspicuous

adjective
con·​spic·​u·​ous kən-ˈspik-yə-wəs How to pronounce conspicuous (audio)
1
: easily seen
2
: attracting attention : striking
conspicuously adverb
conspicuousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on conspicuous

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