eminent

adjective

ˈe-mə-nənt How to pronounce eminent (audio)
Definition of eminentnext
as in distinguished
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement many eminent surgeons are on the hospital's staff

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word eminent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of eminent are celebrated, distinguished, famous, illustrious, noted, notorious, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When could celebrated be used to replace eminent?

The synonyms celebrated and eminent are sometimes interchangeable, but celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When would distinguished be a good substitute for eminent?

In some situations, the words distinguished and eminent are roughly equivalent. However, distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

When is famous a more appropriate choice than eminent?

Although the words famous and eminent have much in common, famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

When can illustrious be used instead of eminent?

The meanings of illustrious and eminent largely overlap; however, illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

In what contexts can noted take the place of eminent?

While in some cases nearly identical to eminent, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

How are the words notorious and famous related as synonyms of eminent?

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

a notorious gangster

When is it sensible to use renowned instead of eminent?

The words renowned and eminent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 eminent Most people have neither the talent, background nor time for that, which is why both of these eminent investors recommend low-cost index funds for the vast majority of us. —Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 The damage to undocumented students and mixed status families from threats of deportation is self-evident, as noted by eminent University of California faculty in a recent letter to UC President Michael Drake. —Isidro Ortiz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025 Whereas, in fact, plenty of eminent, soundbite-worthy experts work elsewhere. —David Galef/chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, 19 Jan. 2025 Despite its eminent portability, Lenovo also crammed the laptop with three USB-C ports (two being Thunderbolt 4 and the other USB4 for charging) and a USB Type-A Gen 3.2 connection. —Joe Osborne, PCMAG, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for eminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eminent
  1. distinguished
  2. outstanding
  3. prestigious
  4. illustrious
  5. famous
  6. notable
Adjective
  • Behold then the inspiration extravaganza that is the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach, where over 30 rooms have been transformed through March 16 into set pieces by 23 distinguished designers and architects.
    — Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Curio’s approach to waste fuel recycling was supported by Per Peterson, distinguished professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, who shared his thoughts with me in both emails and an interview.
    — Jim Vinoski, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • Following his legal victory in the Corby case, Collins was awarded outstanding case of the year at the Personal Injury Awards in 2009.
    — Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The awards honor unit publicists, individual publicists, outstanding publicity campaigns for television and motion picture, journalists and unit still photographers.
    — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are among the most prestigious awards for postgraduate study in the world.
    — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Her most recent book was poised to receive a prestigious award last year from a Native American and Indigenous studies association.
    — Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of prestigious
Adjective
  • This esteemed award honors the Monegasque chef’s culinary achievements over an illustrious career.
    — Spencer Whaley, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • During his illustrious 40-year Hollywood career, legendary actor Gene Hackman left his mark on cinema.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of illustrious
Adjective
  • After years away, theater director Jeanine (Seyfried) re-enters the opera world to stage her former mentor’s most famous work.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
  • This Key Largo state park is famous for being underwater and boasts four kinds of boat tours, which include glass-bottom boat trips.
    — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • Here's our list of the most notable stars working today who still have yet to win a competitive Oscar.
    — Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Another notable recall included McDonald’s Quarter Pounders, which were served with slivers of onions contaminated with E. coli.
    — Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of notable

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Cite this Entry

“Eminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eminent. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of eminent for Spanish Speakers

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