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

Unfortunately for Hutchinson, this was his least distinguished game since breaking into the team last month. —Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

In heralding the occasion with this exclusive interview, the always engaging historian adds a distinguished grace note to the retrospective tone of City & Shore magazine’s 25th Anniversary Issue. —Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026

Other than eating it raw, steaming for up to five minutes is likely the best way to cook broccoli to preserve nutrients, according Emily Ho, PhD, a distinguished professor at Oregon State University, who studies antioxidants. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 29 Dec. 2025

This year, Robb Report’s editorial team and our distinguished contributors crisscrossed the globe to drive the premier models recently introduced by the world’s leading luxury and high-performance marques, as well as examples from boutique restoration houses. —Robb Report Contributors, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2025

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