distinguished

adjective

dis·​tin·​guished di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wisht 

1

: marked by eminence, distinction (see distinction sense 4), or excellence

distinguished leadership

our distinguished guest

2

: befitting an eminent person

a distinguished setting

Synonyms of distinguished

• imposing
• dignified

Choose the Right Synonym for distinguished

famous, renowned, celebrated, noted, notorious, distinguished, eminent, illustrious mean known far and wide.

famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

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

a notorious gangster

distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

Examples of distinguished in a Sentence

She is distinguished for her achievements in genetic research.

heads turned as the well-dressed, distinguished couple strode through the hotel lobby

Recent Examples on the Web

Last year, the Texas Book Festival honored him with its distinguished Texas Writer Award. —Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026

Gostin is distinguished professor of global health Law at the O’Neill Institute, Georgetown University Law Center. —Richard Hughes Iv, STAT, 12 Jan. 2026

While the most distinguished stars in film are vying for a trophy during the show, the red carpet was a moment of recognition in and of itself. —Essence, 11 Jan. 2026

The 37th Annual Producers Guild Awards to be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Fairmont Century Plaza, and will also include special honors celebrating distinguished producers whose careers reflect sustained excellence and influence. —Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see distinguish

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing distinguished

• as distinguished from

Rhymes for distinguished

• undistinguished
• contradistinguished
• extinguished

Kids Definition

distinguished

adjective

dis·​tin·​guished

: widely known and admired for excellence

a distinguished scientist