distinguished 1 of 2

distinguished

2 of 2

verb

past tense of distinguish
1
2
as in characterized
to be an important feature of a collection of recipes distinguished by their ease and simplicity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word distinguished different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of distinguished are celebrated, eminent, famous, illustrious, noted, notorious, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

When is it sensible to use celebrated instead of distinguished?

The words celebrated and distinguished are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When could eminent be used to replace distinguished?

Although the words eminent and distinguished have much in common, eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When can famous be used instead of distinguished?

The meanings of famous and distinguished largely overlap; however, famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

When might illustrious be a better fit than distinguished?

While the synonyms illustrious and distinguished are close in meaning, illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

When would noted be a good substitute for distinguished?

In some situations, the words noted and distinguished are roughly equivalent. However, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

How do notorious and famous relate to one another, in the sense of distinguished?

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

a notorious gangster

In what contexts can renowned take the place of distinguished?

While in some cases nearly identical to distinguished, 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 distinguished
Adjective
Somewhere on this wide spectrum of distinguished Duke alums Cooper Flagg will sit. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2025 The unranked list will recognize a distinguished group of women whose accomplishments have left a mark on the business world and who are paving a path forward. Harriet Taylor, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
The pearls, distinguished by their Baroque silhouettes and radiant golden hue, exude an organic allure. Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025 Both Hallyburton and Sánchez would appeal to Democrats and could potentially split the vote, said Stephanie Witt, Boise State University distinguished professor of public service. Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distinguished
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguished
Adjective
  • In fact, the Sens could’ve benefitted from them being more imposing.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • At the heart of the property is the tahona, used to grind the agave used to make mezcal; this one is solar-powered though no less imposing.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The program curriculum includes contemporary case studies and experiential learning that helps students to develop strong analytical skills to become outstanding intelligence professionals.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • His journey from nervous child with an abusive father to an outstanding professional baseball player who was the MVP in 1971, and as a manager who was fired three times before taking the helm as the Yankees manager.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The mute swan is a formidable rival to California’s most common native swan, the much smaller tundra swan, which is also differentiated by its straight neck and black beak.
    Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Acute cystitis can be differentiated with a urine culture (used to isolate and identify bacteria).
    MD Published, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Jim Trusty, Rozier’s attorney, strongly disputed the accusations, saying prosecutors characterized Rozier as a subject of their investigation and not a target.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Far from being a nostalgic nod, this trend resurrects the kind of practical elegance that characterized generations past.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The researchers identified nine confounding factors in the study, like parental demographics, socioeconomic status, cognitive development and peer influence.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
  • And some risk factors for obesity aren’t modifiable, for example genetics; researchers have identified at least 15 different genes that influence obesity.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • One day, Mae noticed Gracie was looking a little larger than usual.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The following day, the company noticed suspicious activity on its own network.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As of Monday morning, Melissa was classified as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 160 mph.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2025
  • What To Know Last week, Collins asked the court to halt most pending cases, warning that the department will exhaust its funding for that work after October 28 and that the attorneys managing the claims are not classified as essential during the federal shutdown.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Direct, unconditional cash support is proven an effective, dignified way to strengthen families during times of rapid change.
    Erin Hogeboom, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Andrew is a damaging distraction to the Royal Family's dignified role of service.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distinguished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinguished. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

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