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

Plaques, statues and names on buildings all are ways that certain distinguished people, living and dead, are honored. —Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 26 Apr. 2026

The honor of speaking at this distinguished ceremony is usually given to an eminent writer. —Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026

Congressman David Scott moved our state forward over half a century of distinguished public service – from working to bolster farmers and rural communities to putting health care in reach for children across our state. —Dan Raby, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026

Each episode offers intimate, in-depth conversations with distinguished voices from across the literary landscape—about their lives, their work, and the ideas that shape both. —Martin Filler, The New York Review of Books, 22 Apr. 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