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

Examples of illustrious in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the docu, Dunaway reflects on her life and candidly discusses the triumphs and challenges of her illustrious career. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2024 Roberts joins an illustrious list of César honorees that includes her Ocean’s Eleven co-star George Clooney, Penélope Cruz, Robert Redford, Cate Blanchett and Scarlett Johansson. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Sep. 2024 Kittle, an eighth-year veteran, has been sidelined for 17 games in his illustrious career, but never by a hamstring injury. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2024 Elton John is looking back on his illustrious career. Marina Watts, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for illustrious 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'illustrious.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Cite this Entry

“Illustrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrious. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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