Synonyms of illustrious

illustrious

adjective

i-ˈlə-strē-əs 

as in distinguished

standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement

an illustrious physicist who is a sure bet for a Nobel Prize

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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

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