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 That's how Morris began his illustrious career in show business. Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 14 May 2025 But the real main star that has come out of this week's online chatter is the illustrious Midwestern city of Chicago, Illinois. Ashley Brown, NPR, 9 May 2025 The past tense, unfortunately, has to be used with confirmation on Monday that Kohli has retired from Test cricket after an illustrious 14-year career spanning 123 Tests. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 While not the same fighter in the back end of his illustrious career, Pacquiao still commanded hefty paydays. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for illustrious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrious
Adjective
  • Lesser known, but no less distinguished, is Cesare Attolini.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
  • Father Roman, a distinguished figure with curly black hair and floor-sweeping black cassock, let us in.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • That’s the number of borrowers with outstanding federal student loan debt as of the second quarter of 2025, according to the Department of Education.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • At the March 3 hearing, attorneys representing Moreno and Escobar agreed Escobar’s 401k, through Major League Baseball, would be used to pay his outstanding debt.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The third-largest city in Italy with a population of around 1 million, Naples has long been known as a luxury menswear Mecca, home to some of the world’s most prestigious tailoring brands including Kiton, Isaia and Mariano Rubinacci.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
  • The dispute over international students is the latest development in the administration's standoff with one of the country's most prestigious universities.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Those movies also had a bevy of famous guest stars, including Debbie Reynolds, Jerry Orbach, Robert Guillaume, David Hasselhoff and Paul Anka.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 18 May 2025
  • The other, called Dominator, is owned by the famous chaser Reed Timmer.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Great not only as in eye-catching, dazzling, eminent, and profound, but also great as in worthy of a spot on art’s Olympus.
    Brian T. Allen, National Review, 15 May 2025
  • Over the course of a decade, Estonian avant-garde rapper Tommy Cash has become one of pop music’s eminent tricksters.
    Reanna Cruz, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • One notable exception to these observations is the Medicare Advantage program.
    John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Kia has been enjoying notable success in Europe of late.
    Utkarsh Sood, New Atlas, 24 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Illustrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrious. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on illustrious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!