conspicuous
Americanadjective
-
easily seen or noticed; readily visible or observable.
a conspicuous error.
- Synonyms:
- salient, marked, clear, noticeable, manifest
-
attracting special attention, as by outstanding qualities or eccentricities.
He was conspicuous by his booming laughter.
- Synonyms:
- noteworthy, striking, prominent
adjective
-
clearly visible; obvious or showy
-
attracting attention because of a striking quality or feature
conspicuous stupidity
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of conspicuous
First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin conspicuus “clearly seen, visible,” equivalent to conspic(ere) “to see, catch sight of” + -uus adjective suffix; see also conspectus; cf. contiguous, continuous, -ous
Explanation
Keep your eye on the adjective conspicuous for something that stands out so much you notice it right away — like that zit in the center of your friend's forehead. Conspicuous comes from the adjectival form of the Latin verb, conspicere, meaning "to look at." Conspicuous can mean either very obvious to the eye (like something that is conspicuous from a distance) or attracting attention (like conspicuous consumption). If you are doing something wrong, it's wise not to be conspicuous about it!
Vocabulary lists containing conspicuous
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The two yellow wafers and Ms. Fox’s eyes add conspicuous color to the polished gray stainless-steel components of machinery.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026
Such editorial tensions manifested publicly, through conspicuous C-suite churn.
From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026
The best things in life may not always be free, but there’s plenty you can do with or without your money that does not involve conspicuous consumption.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026
Interest-based consumption is less dependent on debt-fueled housing wealth and less politically awkward than conspicuous luxury.
From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026
The difficulties are more conspicuous when the problems are very hard and complicated and the facts not yet in.
From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
