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 Comedian Denis Leary is crediting a nun for his illustrious career in Hollywood. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025 For decades now Obama has been the perfect politician’s spouse, accompanying her husband through his illustrious career and setting her own ambitions aside. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025 During his illustrious five-decade career, Mischer did television with everyone from Bob Hope, Gene Kelly, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Shirley MacLaine, Nell Carter and Don Rickles to Robin Williams, Barbra Streisand, Donna Summer, Eddie Murphy and Beyoncé. Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 12 Apr. 2025 Finding the quintessential Ovechkin game is no small task, not after such an illustrious career. Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustrious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrious
Adjective
  • The research was designed to capture a look at much of the world, said study lead and report contributor Dr. Byron Johnson, distinguished professor of the social sciences at Baylor in Waco, Texas.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Only this season for Valladolid has proved anything but distinguished.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her thirty-five-year corporate journey has been marked by outstanding achievement and transformative influence.
    Mamie Jones, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Explore Kylie Minogue See latest videos, charts and news The honor, awarded annually by APRA AMCOS, recognizes outstanding contributions to the Australian music industry.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While performance in European competition has propelled them into financial parity with Scandinavia’s biggest clubs, there’s an acceptance that when players shine, there will be interest from more affluent and prestigious sides.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Harassment, fear alter campus life As prestigious universities like Harvard became a focal point of outside scrutiny last year, external harassment had devastating effects on students, the report says.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The funeral will take place in St. Peter's Square, the famous large plaza in front of the basilica in Vatican City.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The incident came a day after an environmental activist group spray-painted the famous Wall Street Charging Bull.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Sacrifice and commitment have driven Emery to become one of football’s most eminent coaches.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In over two decades of prolific dance making for companies around the globe, the soon-to-be 52-year-old became fascinated with telling stories of eminent Latin figures including artists Frida Kahlo and Fernando Botero and First Lady of Argentina Eva Perón.
    Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The sequel has more glamour, more trouble and maybe a bit too much nonsense 1 Comments The first Simple Favor, from 2018, was a playful, shallow mystery most notable for casting the lovely, languid Blake Lively as a cynical, devious clothes horse named Emily Nelson.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • One of the most notable adjustments was for other comprehensive income.
    David Trainer, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Illustrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrious. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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