Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of eminent are celebrated, distinguished, famous, illustrious, noted, notorious, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When could celebrated be used to replace eminent?

The synonyms celebrated and eminent are sometimes interchangeable, but celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When would distinguished be a good substitute for eminent?

In some situations, the words distinguished and eminent are roughly equivalent. However, distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

When is famous a more appropriate choice than eminent?

Although the words famous and eminent have much in common, famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

When can illustrious be used instead of eminent?

The meanings of illustrious and eminent largely overlap; however, illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

In what contexts can noted take the place of eminent?

While in some cases nearly identical to eminent, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

How are the words notorious and famous related as synonyms of eminent?

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

a notorious gangster

When is it sensible to use renowned instead of eminent?

The words renowned and eminent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 eminent Over the course of a decade, Estonian avant-garde rapper Tommy Cash has become one of pop music’s eminent tricksters. Reanna Cruz, Vulture, 13 May 2025 Sacrifice and commitment have driven Emery to become one of football’s most eminent coaches. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025 In over two decades of prolific dance making for companies around the globe, the soon-to-be 52-year-old became fascinated with telling stories of eminent Latin figures including artists Frida Kahlo and Fernando Botero and First Lady of Argentina Eva Perón. Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025 And the biggest question hanging over Mozart is whether his teacher’s eminent father was actually murdered by a famous oculist who performed two fateful eye surgeries on him only months before his death. Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for eminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eminent
Adjective
  • Today, that distinguished tradition continues, with the distillery's current leadership or their cadre of seasoned master tasters personally vetting these casks.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • It’s been a long time since Florida’s university system was put to such disgrace as the Board of Governors did Tuesday in rejecting the distinguished scholar Santa Ono as the lone finalist for president of the University of Florida.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Chicago Bar Association’s award for outstanding lawyer is named in her honor.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
  • Most impressively, Kohli has been able to tweak his game, batting with more explosiveness at the top of the order to produce an outstanding season for RCB.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • Chapter One The Political Science major at Warren University was a prestigious murder weapon.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • During his 16 years tenure as CEO, David and his team helped to elevate the already prestigious brand to become one of the top luxury wines in the world, expanding distribution to over 90 countries and increasing the value of the brand from an average of $200 to over $500 per bottle.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Simón may not have a long, illustrious major league career ahead of him.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • The Spaniard won a record 14 titles at the clay-court grand slam during his illustrious career and Roland Garros gave its legendary champion one last special goodbye on Sunday.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • For a myriad of reasons—nostalgia among older generations being a major one—famous collections, car shows, and auto museums have proudly displayed vehicles from these eras for quite a long time, highlighting their technological developments and design, as well as the greater culture of the era.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Carla Worden via IMDb; Murray Close—Getty Images British child actor Lox Pratt, who is also set to star in the BBC’s upcoming Lord of the Flies series adapted from William Golding’s famous novel, will portray Harry’s schoolmate and nemesis, Draco Malfoy.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Also notable is Anna Pigeon, the first Bell Media-Versant co-commission for USA Network, which the two companies operate respectively in their own countries.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 5 June 2025
  • One notable fan who publicly questioned the cancellation is Brandon Sanderson, who penned the final three books in Robert Jordan’s fantasy series.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Eminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eminent. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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