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 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 In 1949 the eminent mathematician Kurt Gödel, a longtime friend of Albert Einstein’s, discovered an exact analytical solution to Einstein’s general theory of relativity that included a rotating cosmos. Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2025 Great not only as in eye-catching, dazzling, eminent, and profound, but also great as in worthy of a spot on art’s Olympus. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for eminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eminent
Adjective
  • Bruce Yandle is a distinguished adjunct fellow with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and former executive director of the Federal Trade Commission.
    Bruce Yandle, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
  • Only the day before, the distinguished British medical journal the Lancet published a study warning about the potential consequences now looming.
    Butch Meily, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • But Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee left a hearing Wednesday with outstanding questions that could take lawmakers months to answer — if not longer.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 10 July 2025
  • Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe left frustrated Vinicius Jr had been looking to shine again in the U.S., yet the Brazilian departed with just one goal and one assist to his name from six games, with both his contributions coming in his outstanding performance against Salzburg.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • In spite of difficulties at the festival, Dulac was able to lure prestigious guests to the event over the years, notably Keanu Reeves, Donald Sutherland, Agnès Varda, Brady Corbet, Ari Aster, Lily Gladstone, Joel Edgerton, Ira Sachs and Ben Winshaw.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 July 2025
  • Stanford has no natural ties to the ACC, and life is a lot harder now for the prestigious academic institution because of name, image and likeness, revenue sharing and the transfer portal.
    Antonio Morales, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The historian-college professor explores Blume’s middle-class, 1950s childhood in New Jersey, to adulthood when her passion for reading turned into an illustrious writing career.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Founded in 886 by King Alfred the Great, The Royal Mint strives to marry its illustrious history with innovations in sustainable sourcing of precious metals.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Although it’s popularly practiced by many women, Joey Fatone and Jax Taylor are among the famous men who have proudly spoken about receiving plastic surgery to destigmatize the notion that such operations are acceptable for people of certain genders.
    Maria Yagoda, People.com, 5 July 2025
  • Big Bear is famous for its diverse terrain and powder, and the atmosphere here is decidedly ski town-y, with all the bro-ness and craft breweries that go along with it.
    Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • There's a major plot twist involving Superman's Kryptonian parents (as well as a far less extreme but still notable reimagining of his human parents) that has big implications for the character going forward.
    James Grebey, Time, 11 July 2025
  • The most notable of which is a roster spot for a veteran that was made possible when Guerschon Yabusele signed a deal with the team that left a little extra wiggle room in the first year of the contract.
    Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Eminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eminent. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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