distinguished

adjective

dis·​tin·​guished di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wisht 

1

: marked by eminence, distinction (see distinction sense 4), or excellence

distinguished leadership

our distinguished guest

2

: befitting an eminent person

a distinguished setting

Synonyms of distinguished

• imposing
• dignified

Choose the Right Synonym for distinguished

famous, renowned, celebrated, noted, notorious, distinguished, eminent, illustrious mean known far and wide.

famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.

a notorious gangster

distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

Examples of distinguished in a Sentence

She is distinguished for her achievements in genetic research.

heads turned as the well-dressed, distinguished couple strode through the hotel lobby

Recent Examples on the Web

Work supported For the first time in its 56-year history, La Jolla Music Society named four distinguished San Diego classical and chamber-music organizations — Art of Elan, Bach Collegium, Camarada and Mainly Mozart — as Resident Companies at The Conrad. —Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025

Awarded for distinguished fiction published in book form during the year by an American author, preferably dealing with American life. —Literary Hub, 19 Dec. 2025

Known for its distinguished architecture, intentional design, and community experiences, Alys Beach capitalizes on its enviable location along the sparkling white sands and turquoise waters of the Gulf. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2025

Nathan Sales, a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council and former State Department counterterrorism coordinator, said the administration views regional diplomacy primarily through the lens of countering Tehran. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see distinguish

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing distinguished

• as distinguished from

Rhymes for distinguished

• undistinguished
• contradistinguished
• extinguished

Kids Definition

distinguished

adjective

dis·​tin·​guished

: widely known and admired for excellence

a distinguished scientist