eminent

adjective

ˈe-mə-nənt How to pronounce eminent (audio)
Definition of eminentnext
as in distinguished
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement many eminent surgeons are on the hospital's staff

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of eminent are celebrated, distinguished, famous, illustrious, noted, notorious, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When could celebrated be used to replace eminent?

The synonyms celebrated and eminent are sometimes interchangeable, but celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When would distinguished be a good substitute for eminent?

In some situations, the words distinguished and eminent are roughly equivalent. However, distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

When is famous a more appropriate choice than eminent?

Although the words famous and eminent have much in common, famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

When can illustrious be used instead of eminent?

The meanings of illustrious and eminent largely overlap; however, illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

In what contexts can noted take the place of eminent?

While in some cases nearly identical to eminent, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

How are the words notorious and famous related as synonyms of eminent?

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

a notorious gangster

When is it sensible to use renowned instead of eminent?

The words renowned and eminent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 eminent The eminent psychologist Rob Kaiser contends that the benefits of executive leadership development accrue more to individual career success than to organizational success. —Dave Winsborough, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 On the more recent episode, the daughter of the eminent TV producer, Aaron Spelling, probed the possible origins of her aversion. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2025 In 1900, the eminent mathematician David Hilbert announced a list of 23 key problems to guide the next century of mathematical research. —Joseph Howlett, WIRED, 9 Mar. 2025 The study published in the eminent science journal, The Lancet, and falsely linked MMR vaccines with autism. —Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for eminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eminent
  1. distinguished
  2. outstanding
  3. prestigious
  4. illustrious
  5. famous
  6. notable
Adjective
  • Over time, inhaling these harmful chemicals can contribute to progressive lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to Sanjay Sethi, MD, SUNY distinguished professor and chief of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the University at Buffalo.
    — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Palmer was just one of several celebrities and distinguished guests who attended the Fashion Trust Awards on Tuesday.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • The thicker frame is reminiscent of an earlier era filled with outstanding fashion.
    — Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Bob Kendrick and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum have been outstanding in this regard.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of outstanding
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
Definition of prestigious
Adjective
  • Comedian Denis Leary is crediting a nun for his illustrious career in Hollywood.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • For decades now Obama has been the perfect politician’s spouse, accompanying her husband through his illustrious career and setting her own ambitions aside.
    — Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of illustrious
Adjective
  • The all cash deal, valued at $1.375 billion, will merge two of the most famous Italian luxury fashion brands under one roof.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Augusta National will play host to 95 of the top golfers on the planet this weekend, and only one will don the famous green jacket early Sunday evening.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • Champ Celebration: The Royals will welcome back notable alumni for championship gala Here are more notable aspects of Thursday’s game: Michael Massey records three hits The Royals need productive at-bats.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Set on Royal Terrace—one of Edinburgh’s most notable streets—a 19th-century Georgian townhouse has just hit the market with Knight Frank for £2.95 million (about $3.9 million).
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of notable

Browse Nearby Words

éminences grises
eminent
eminently
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eminent. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on eminent

Nglish: Translation of eminent for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All