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 Aztecs are in the 32-team Players Era Festival, the pre-eminent nonconference event over Thanksgiving week in Las Vegas that features many of the nation’s top programs, plus are finalizing a neutral-court game against BYU in the Palm Springs area. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026

And despite their eminent likability, Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle — in the central roles of Catherine and her father, Robert — may even be the wrong actors. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026

Thomas, an eminent artist and scholar, is protean and stubborn, aging and ageless, keenly attentive and impossible to pin down. —Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026

Keefe, one of America’s pre-eminent investigative journalists, is already having The Snakehead adapted by A24, which is described as a mix between The Godfather and Chinatown. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026