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

But some 300 years after its construction, the illustrious palace burned to the ground. —Sarah Durn, Popular Science, 17 Sep. 2025

Perez now stands alongside the greatest catchers in the game — and deservedly so, given his illustrious career. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 Sep. 2025

Once Prater’s now-illustrious game-winning kick sailed through the uprights, Ferguson jubilantly reminded everyone of his late-week prognostication. —Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

As this year’s host of MTV’s VMAs, the legendary musician and actor understands the importance of setting the atmosphere for one of music’s most illustrious nights. —Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 6 Sep. 2025

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