illustrious

adjective

i-ˈlə-strē-əs How to pronounce illustrious (audio)
Definition of illustriousnext
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

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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
  1. distinguished
  2. outstanding
  3. prestigious
  4. famous
  5. eminent
  6. notable
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
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • The Chicago Bar Association’s award for outstanding lawyer is named in her honor.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
  • The show has won two Emmys since: One in 2014 for outstanding interactive program and another in 2015 for outstanding creative achievement in interactive media.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 June 2025
Definition of outstanding
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
  • By 2001, both had graduated from the prestigious university: Jones with a degree in journalism and Ojeh with a degree in computer science with an economics concentration.
    — Liza Esquibias, People.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of prestigious
Adjective
  • For the last 26 years, the world’s most famous arena has been hollow in June.
    — James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • The most famous example of the last phenomenon is MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, who was a congressman while Biden was still in the Senate.
    — W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • Dalla Costa shared her ideas with other feminists, including Selma James, who lived in London and had been married to the eminent cultural historian and Pan-Africanist C. L. R. James.
    — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
  • The award ceremony was presided over by Silvia Grilli, editor-in-chief of the eminent Italian fashion magazine, Grazia.
    — Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of eminent
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
Definition of notable

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illustrious
illustriousness
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Cite this Entry

“Illustrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrious. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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