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Synonyms

striking

American  
[strahy-king] / ˈstraɪ kɪŋ /

adjective

  1. attractive; impressive.

    a scene of striking beauty.

    Synonyms:
    outstanding, noteworthy, remarkable
  2. noticeable; conspicuous.

    a striking lack of enthusiasm.

  3. being on strike, as workers.

    1. capable of attacking an enemy, especially by air.

      striking power.

    2. within the extent of space through which it is possible to attack a target effectively.

      striking distance.


striking British  
/ ˈstraɪkɪŋ /

adjective

  1. attracting attention; fine; impressive

    a striking beauty

  2. conspicuous; noticeable

    a striking difference

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of striking

First recorded in 1605–15; strike + -ing 2

Explanation

Something striking grabs your attention because it’s vivid and surprising. Many twins have a striking resemblance. People in red satin evening gowns, the pyramids in Egypt, and platform heels with fish in them are also striking. Anything striking is hard not to notice; it almost hits, or strikes, you with surprise, like a toddler in a tuxedo. People can be striking, and so can landscapes — one of the most striking sights in the world is the Grand Canyon, which is why so many people visit just to look at it. Non-visual things can be striking too, like a striking thought that makes you shout, “Eureka!”

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Vocabulary lists containing striking

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.

Pitcher Isabella Campos gave up four hits in five innings, striking out five and walking none.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

He is now striking a more cautious tone as the service rolls out more slowly than projected.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

They eventually posted 214-6, Donovan Ferreira striking 38 off 11.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

One newly identified species, Labrujasuchus expectatus, is a striking example.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2026

“Do you find her much changed, Pip?” asked Miss Havisham, with her greedy look, and striking her stick upon a chair that stood between them, as a sign to me to sit down there.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

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