Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

illustrious

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of illustrious

standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement

  • an illustrious physicist who is a sure bet for a Nobel Prize
Synonyms of illustrious

astral, bright, distinguished, eminent, luminous, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, preeminent, prestigious, redoubtable, signal, star, superior
Words Related to illustrious

celebrated, exalted, famed, famous, glorious, honored, renowned, reputable

infamous, notorious

dominant, paramount, predominant
Near Antonyms of illustrious

insignificant, minor, unimportant

average, inferior, mediocre

obscure, uncelebrated, unsung

Synonym Discussion of illustrious

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

Learn More about illustrious

  1. See words that rhyme with illustrious Dictionary: Definition of illustrious Spanish Central: Translation of illustrious Nglish: Translation of illustrious for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of illustrious for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up illustrious? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games