as in distinguished
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement
an illustrious physicist who is a sure bet for a Nobel Prize
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illustrious
Each floor has engaging photography, sculptures, and art, generating an illustrious atmosphere for guests.
—
Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
From Zoolander to Severance, Ben Stiller has had an illustrious career.
—Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Its passionate discernment and its attention to developments in the art of cinema—and, especially, to direction—set the tone for the magazine’s illustrious inaugural year of film criticism.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Howard has made all kinds of films in his illustrious career, but never one this unhinged, even campy.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrious
Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
From Zoolander to Severance, Ben Stiller has had an illustrious career.
—Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Its passionate discernment and its attention to developments in the art of cinema—and, especially, to direction—set the tone for the magazine’s illustrious inaugural year of film criticism.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Howard has made all kinds of films in his illustrious career, but never one this unhinged, even campy.
—Will Leitch, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrious
Adjective
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Each year, Daniel and HFR present distinguished awards to individuals who are leading innovators in their respective fields.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
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Storied military career After graduating from North Carolina A&T in 1963 with a degree in engineering physics, Joseph McNeil was commissioned as a second lieutenant through ROTC and began a distinguished Air Force career, according to his university.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Herbert is playing outstanding football, and while their running game has been very pedestrian, their air attack is looking good.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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The 6-foot-3 left-hander has been outstanding, completing 71 of 106 passes for 772 yards and six touchdowns with one interception.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The century-old competition, held every four years, is considered as prestigious as a Michelin star—and many award-winning chefs have earned both.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
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Nick grew up playing Australian Rules Football, which includes both kicking and handballing, and by his senior year of high school was playing at the Brisbane Lions Academy in the Australian Football League, the sport’s most prestigious organization.—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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One such diamond-dripping famous face was Zoë Kravitz, elevating the LBD Kravitz-style.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
12 Sep. 2025
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Walk Flex-relish Slip-ins These slip-on shoes are from the brand’s famous Go Walk collection, which many would argue is one of the most comfortable sneaker collections on the planet.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Noguchi Prestige is a limited edition release crafted by Noguchi Naohiko, a 92-year-old industry icon commonly regarded as the pre-eminent sake brewer in all of Japan.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Alremaihi has also led the effort behind turning the DFI’s year-round film funding initiatives into the region’s pre-eminent indie industry driver.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Outside of Seville, Thompson, Lyles, and Bednarek keeping the Jamaica versus USA rivalry alive, the most notable observation of the race is that 50% of the finalists were from African nations, a strong feat for an event typically dominated by the aforementioned countries.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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One particularly notable viral video featured the son of a provincial government minister posing in front of a tree made from boxes of luxury labels including Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Gucci.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrious. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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