Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of illustrious are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, famous, noted, notorious, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

Where would celebrated be a reasonable alternative to illustrious?

The meanings of celebrated and illustrious largely overlap; however, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

In what contexts can distinguished take the place of illustrious?

The synonyms distinguished and illustrious are sometimes interchangeable, but distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

When is it sensible to use eminent instead of illustrious?

The words eminent and illustrious can be used in similar contexts, but eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When could famous be used to replace illustrious?

The words famous and illustrious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

When would noted be a good substitute for illustrious?

While the synonyms noted and illustrious are close in meaning, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

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

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

a notorious gangster

When can renowned be used instead of illustrious?

In some situations, the words renowned and illustrious are roughly equivalent. However, 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 illustrious Owners Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos moved to Colorado in 2020 after illustrious careers as professional pastry chefs, and began the bakery out of their kitchen. Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 20 May 2025 The apartment was Carmelo’s home base during his time with the New York Knicks, renting it in 2015 while navigating the peaks and valleys of his illustrious career. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 May 2025 Her performance will span her illustrious, five-decade-long career. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025 That's how Morris began his illustrious career in show business. Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustrious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrious
Adjective
  • It’s been a long time since Florida’s university system was put to such disgrace as the Board of Governors did Tuesday in rejecting the distinguished scholar Santa Ono as the lone finalist for president of the University of Florida.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
  • Today, that distinguished tradition continues, with the distillery's current leadership or their cadre of seasoned master tasters personally vetting these casks.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Most impressively, Kohli has been able to tweak his game, batting with more explosiveness at the top of the order to produce an outstanding season for RCB.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • The Chicago Bar Association’s award for outstanding lawyer is named in her honor.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Chapter One The Political Science major at Warren University was a prestigious murder weapon.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • During his 16 years tenure as CEO, David and his team helped to elevate the already prestigious brand to become one of the top luxury wines in the world, expanding distribution to over 90 countries and increasing the value of the brand from an average of $200 to over $500 per bottle.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • For the last 26 years, the world’s most famous arena has been hollow in June.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • The show is meant to resemble the actual speaking engagements Twain did after he had become established as one of the world’s most famous and popular authors in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Dalla Costa shared her ideas with other feminists, including Selma James, who lived in London and had been married to the eminent cultural historian and Pan-Africanist C. L. R. James.
    Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
  • The award ceremony was presided over by Silvia Grilli, editor-in-chief of the eminent Italian fashion magazine, Grazia.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The filing marks a notable step into the digital asset space by entities affiliated with Truth Social, the social media platform founded by former President Donald Trump.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
  • While the new wave of violence certainly appears to have been inspired by the war in Gaza, there are notable differences between the attacks in Washington, D.C. and the one in Boulder, said Javed Ali, senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council in 2017 and 2018.
    Will Carless, USA Today, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Illustrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrious. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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