Synonyms of eminent

eminent

adjective

ˈe-mə-nənt 

as in distinguished

standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement

many eminent surgeons are on the hospital's staff

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distinguished
• outstanding
• prestigious
• illustrious
• famous
• notable
• noteworthy
• superior
• renowned
• celebrated
• noble
• honored
• luminous
• bright
• signal
• redoubtable
• star
• infamous
• preeminent
• famed
• glorious
• reputable
• exalted
• astral
• notorious
• dominant
• predominant
• paramount

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minor
• insignificant
• unimportant
• average
• inferior
• mediocre
• obscure
• unsung
• uncelebrated

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

Recent Examples of eminent

The reverberations have led to a dramatic staff revolt at one of the pre-eminent conservative think tanks and prompted rare intramural criticism from leading Senate Republicans. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

This wise, gentle character had been inhabited and portrayed by such eminent people. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025

The eminent psychologist William James invited the 19-year-old to join his seminar at the Harvard Psychological Laboratory. —Daphne Merkin, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025

Sure, the park encompasses a massive 1,300 acres, but comparing this underdeveloped pipedream to the nation’s pre-eminent public parks is delusional. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025