Definition of CONSPICUOUS (original) (raw)
1
: obvious to the eye or mind
The bird has a conspicuous red head.
2
: attracting attention : striking
His absence was conspicuous.
3
: marked by a noticeable violation of good taste
Synonyms
Choose the Right Synonym for conspicuous
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 Immigration remains one of Biden’s most conspicuous weak spots. —Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 17 June 2024 But other stars, like Kim Kardashian, have been less conspicuous about their relationships with paparazzi. —Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 4 June 2024 One of the most conspicuous missing puzzle pieces is how exactly star formation depends on the structures within molecular clouds. —Nia Imara, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2024 Sterling had a long, if not especially conspicuous, history of racial discrimination in the world of sports and beyond. —Cady Lang, TIME, 5 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for conspicuous 
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 3 Jul. 2024.
Share
More from Merriam-Webster on conspicuous
Last Updated: 21 Jun 2024 - Updated example sentences
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!