Synonym Chooser

How is the word illustrious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of illustrious are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, famous, noted, notorious, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

Where would celebrated be a reasonable alternative to illustrious?

The meanings of celebrated and illustrious largely overlap; however, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

In what contexts can distinguished take the place of illustrious?

The synonyms distinguished and illustrious are sometimes interchangeable, but distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

When is it sensible to use eminent instead of illustrious?

The words eminent and illustrious can be used in similar contexts, but eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When could famous be used to replace illustrious?

The words famous and illustrious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

When would noted be a good substitute for illustrious?

While the synonyms noted and illustrious are close in meaning, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

How are the words notorious and famous related as synonyms of illustrious?

Notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.

a notorious gangster

When can renowned be used instead of illustrious?

In some situations, the words renowned and illustrious are roughly equivalent. However, 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 illustrious An Emmy and Grammy award-winning singer, dancer, choreographer, actress, producer and television personality, Abdul has showcased her choreography talents both in front of and behind the camera over an illustrious career. Andrew McGowan, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025 Aside from his illustrious music career, 50 Cent is most known for his relentless trolling and constant encouragement of drama and chaos. Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 3 Oct. 2025 The Giants have gone on to dominate the NPB, winning 22 Japan Series and producing Sadaharu Oh, who hit 868 home runs during his illustrious career. Jared Bahir Browsh, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025 The illustrious destination closed in 1977 and sat dormant until English billionaire John Caudwell acquired it in 2014. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustrious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrious
Adjective
  • The unranked list will recognize a distinguished group of women whose accomplishments have left a mark on the business world and who are paving a path forward.
    Harriet Taylor, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The Dean’s Creative Vanguard Program, which officially launched this year under the direction of King, is designed to foster creative interaction between distinguished artists and Thornton students.
    Heran Mamo, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Shrinking earned a total of seven nominations at the 2025 Emmy Awards, including Ford's first-ever Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • At the end of the third quarter, GM's outstanding shares were at 954 million, a 15% decline from a year earlier.
    Michael Wayland, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Frascati, a town in the region, is renowned for its award-winning white wines, especially the prestigious DOC and DOCG Superior bottles.
    Fulvio De Bonis, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Another possibility is that King Charles could remove his brother's role as a knight of the prestigious Order of the Garter, per The Times.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Joining him for color commentary is Dell Curry — former Sixth Man of the Year with the Hornets, current famous dad of Steph and Seth.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Expect crowds to flock to the beloved establishment, which over the years has hosted many famous folks like James Brown, Alan Jackson, the late President Jimmy Carter, and the late Congressman John Lewis.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Winter summons the eminent presence of the late dance trailblazer Isadora Duncan, not just incorporating her signature moves into this piece, but feeling empowered enough to perform them himself, quite a rarity for a man.
    Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The eminent Proust biographer has produced an annotated version of the novel, published by Yale University Press, that dials it all the way back to Moncrieff.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Tie the knot again Many couples choose to renew their vows on particularly notable anniversaries, such as a silver anniversary (25 years).
    Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Grier’s presence at Williams-Bryce Stadium, first reported by ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid, was notable because the Dolphins eventually could face a decision on whether to move forward with Tua Tagovailoa.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Illustrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrious. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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