distinguished 1 of 2

distinguished

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verb

past tense of distinguish
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as in characterized
to be an important feature of a collection of recipes distinguished by their ease and simplicity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word distinguished different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of distinguished are celebrated, eminent, famous, illustrious, noted, notorious, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

When is it sensible to use celebrated instead of distinguished?

The words celebrated and distinguished are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When could eminent be used to replace distinguished?

Although the words eminent and distinguished have much in common, eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When can famous be used instead of distinguished?

The meanings of famous and distinguished largely overlap; however, famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

When might illustrious be a better fit than distinguished?

While the synonyms illustrious and distinguished are close in meaning, illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

When would noted be a good substitute for distinguished?

In some situations, the words noted and distinguished are roughly equivalent. However, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

How do notorious and famous relate to one another, in the sense of distinguished?

Notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.

a notorious gangster

In what contexts can renowned take the place of distinguished?

While in some cases nearly identical to distinguished, renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of distinguished
Adjective
Michel Koopman is the CEO & Founder at CxO Coaching, with a distinguished career as a senior operator and entrepreneur. Michel Koopman, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Laid out like an orchestra in a quiet gallery room, 40 colorful gems have one of the planet’s most distinguished conductors: a red diamond, 2.33 of the rarest carats in the world, shining like a little bit of magic. Kayla Randall, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
Hackman’s searing turn as the hyper, gum-smacking Doyle in the documentary-style French Connection distinguished him as a leading man. Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025 The design—distinguished by its signature splashes of crimson red—feels personal and polished. Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distinguished
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguished
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The thicker frame is reminiscent of an earlier era filled with outstanding fashion.
    Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • This achievement reflects the group’s continued leadership in international health services and its ability to offer outstanding patient experiences.
    William Jones, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • What’s new visually is what’s news here; the fact that Dead & Company are doing completely unique setlists each night — or at least completely differentiated over the course of a three-day weekend — is an old, dog-bites-man story.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Imax is hugely differentiated from at-home watching.
    Ramin Setoodeh, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Other common ants found in the state include the carpenter ant, characterized by their large, black bodies, and fire ants, known for their red color and affinity for building large mounds in yards that can be dangerous, Hayes said.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025
  • One source close to the negotiations described a deal as 'close' and a Red Sox source characterized the team as hopeful of getting a deal done as of late Saturday night.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Lake County Coroner’s Office has identified the Gary man shot and killed by Gary Police Wednesday morning after a hostage situation involving a 1-year-old child.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The victims were sisters and identified by a family member only as 9-year-old Sammy and 13-year-old Valery, ABC 6 News reported.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And our findings have broader implications for how species are classified and protected under conservation laws.
    Andre A. Naranjo, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Arrest warrant questioned Many law experts question the validity of the warrant, which specified that certain key provisions of South Korea's Criminal Procedure Act should be excluded, which meant the police could search the military and government-classified presidential residence.
    Joohee Cho, ABC News, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • On Friday, Trump also sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to attend the dignified transfer of four American soldiers who died during a training exercise in Lithuania last week at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
    Ian Swanson, The Hill, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Karl Johnson makes an excellent Firs, the ancient servant who regrets the freeing of the serfs and who alternates between dignified paeans to the old days and mumbling streams of profanities.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • If Cullen marries his daughter, perhaps he’ll be inclined to complete a letter of recommendation that the young man had requested for a prestigious fellowship.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025
  • President Trump has long celebrated his familial ties to MIT, a prestigious college that has spared no criticism of the administration's policies in recent weeks.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distinguished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinguished. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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