eminent

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