striking
Impossible to ignore
Striking describes something that immediately catches attention and makes a strong impression.
A striking resemblance is one you notice right away; a striking woman has features that stand out from the crowd.
The word carries positive connotations of distinctiveness rather than mere oddness.
As the present participle of strike, it also describes the act of hitting or the state of workers who have walked off the job: The striking miners refused to negotiate.
Immediately noticeable, visually
- vividIntensely clear and bright
- boldCourageous and daring
- dazzlingOverwhelmingly bright or impressive
- arrestingStrikingly attention-grabbing
dramatic · vibrant · stunning · brilliant · luminous · radiant · flashy · showy
Worthy of attention
- extraordinaryBeyond what's typical
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
- breathtakingAstonishingly beautiful or exciting
- spectacularStrikingly impressive to behold
magnificent · awe-inspiring · astonishing · phenomenal · majestic · splendid · sublime · glorious
Permanently fixed in memory
- indelibleImpossible to remove
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- hauntingDisturbingly unforgettable
- evocativeTending to summon memories
poignant · resonant · timeless · legendary · classic · vivid · lasting · enduring
Having great strength
- compellingPowerfully engaging or persuasive
- assertiveConfidently self-assured
- commandingExerting strong authority
- vigorousHaving great physical energy
potent · dynamic · intense · emphatic · aggressive · vehement · authoritative · dominant
Not often encountered
- singularOne in number
- uniqueOnly one exists
- peculiarStrangely unusual
- uncommonSeldom occurring or found
unexpected · surprising · idiosyncratic · unconventional · novel · original · quirky · individual
eye-catching
Immediately noticeable, visually
arresting · dramatic · vibrant · stunning · brilliant · luminous · radiant · flashy · showy · bright
remarkable
Worthy of attention
- extraordinaryBeyond what's typical
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
- breathtakingAstonishingly beautiful or exciting
spectacular · magnificent · awe-inspiring · astonishing · phenomenal · majestic · splendid · sublime · glorious · exquisite
unforgettable
Permanently fixed in memory
evocative · poignant · resonant · timeless · legendary · classic · vivid · lasting · enduring · historic
powerful
Having great strength
- compellingPowerfully engaging or persuasive
- assertiveConfidently self-assured
- commandingExerting strong authority
vigorous · potent · dynamic · intense · emphatic · aggressive · vehement · authoritative · dominant · robust
unusual
Not often encountered
uncommon · unexpected · surprising · idiosyncratic · unconventional · novel · original · quirky · individual · characteristic
- action filmschase scene, car chase, explosion, stunt, shootout
- amazingastonishing, astounding, breathtaking, extraordinary, incredible
- art adjectivesbold, bright, colorful, dark, delicate
- attractiveattractive, beautiful, gorgeous, pretty, handsome
- attractivenessattractive, beautiful, gorgeous, handsome, pretty
- combat sportsboxing, wrestling, MMA, judo, karate
strikinginconspicuous
Not readily noticed
unnoticeable · invisible · unobtrusive · faint · hidden
strikingunremarkable
Not worthy of comment
ordinary · unimpressive · undistinguished · unexceptional · commonplace
strikingugly
Displeasing to look at
unattractive · homely · plain · unlovely · unprepossessing
- striking outEliminating by crossing through
- striking distanceProximity allowing attack
- striking backRetaliating against an aggressor
- striking goldFinding valuable ore deposit
- striking upStarting abruptly, especially music
- striking throughLinearly canceling written text