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 Villa were the eminent team of that age, led by William McGregor, who served as the director, president and chairman for more than two decades as well as being the founder of the Football League. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025 To get an authoritative answer, Fortune recruited three eminent executive search experts, each of whom has counseled scores of major boards on managing successions. Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 22 July 2025 Each year, Central Texas gardeners face eminent heat, drought, floods or freezes, sometimes all four. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 She’s joined by an eminent paleontologist, Dr. Henry Loomis (Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey, who's much less interesting out of knee breaches and buckled shoes), and riverboat captain Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali, always interesting no matter what the role or film). Tom Gliatto, People.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for eminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eminent
Adjective
  • Following compilation, our expert panel of distinguished cloud industry veterans conducts the evaluation and ranking process, with these leaders also empowered to suggest additional companies for consideration.
    Bessemer Venture Partners, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Meanwhile, distinguished Russian navy crew members assigned to the Yasen-M-class cruise missile submarine Krasnoyarsk were awarded medals and promoted to higher military ranks.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With its outstanding tennis and pickleball program, renowned surf school, and kids' clubs and beach clubs, there’s no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Without it, even the most outstanding work can quietly suffocate.
    Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Taylor Swift, Beyoncé Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, The Weeknd and Lady Gaga, who led the pack in 2025 with 12 total nominations, were all nominated in for the prestigious artist of the year award.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Ferrari Given his name, Adam Driver was seemingly predestined to play the man behind the world's most prestigious sports car.
    Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Perez is now just three homers shy of 300 for his illustrious career.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Each floor has engaging photography, sculptures, and art, generating an illustrious atmosphere for guests.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Eufy Marswalker and RoboVac Omni S2 This is the famous stair climber.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Beethoven's Ninth, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Some classical music organizations would save Beethoven's famous symphony for the final program of the season to end with a big splash.
    Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Our 20th anniversary retrospective, compiled by contributing editor Mary Scott, highlights many of these notable game-changers featured on our cover pages.
    Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Other notable nominees included Ariana Grande, who took home the night's top prize, as well as The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, Charli xcx, Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus and Tate McRae.
    Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Eminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eminent. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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