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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 To Be Hosted has an illustrious clientele list that includes LVMH, Pinterest, Pepsi, YouTube, Diageo, and Netflix, just to name a few. —Benjamin Liong Setiawan, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025 But, according to the Spanish new outlet El Confidencial, experts from Madrid’s Prado Museum studied the work and quickly stripped the picture of its illustrious attribution. —Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2025 The six-time FIFA World Player of the Year added two missing trophies to her illustrious career last season, further solidifying her place in the record books. —Jenn Nelson, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 Getting a spotlight in such illustrious company was a great honor. —Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 13 Mar. 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
  • Over time, inhaling these harmful chemicals can contribute to progressive lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to Sanjay Sethi, MD, SUNY distinguished professor and chief of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the University at Buffalo.
    — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Palmer was just one of several celebrities and distinguished guests who attended the Fashion Trust Awards on Tuesday.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • The thicker frame is reminiscent of an earlier era filled with outstanding fashion.
    — Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Bob Kendrick and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum have been outstanding in this regard.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • If Cullen marries his daughter, perhaps he’ll be inclined to complete a letter of recommendation that the young man had requested for a prestigious fellowship.
    — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025
  • International students – including at prestigious American universities – have been targeted amid the Trump administration’s larger immigration crackdown.
    — Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of prestigious
Adjective
  • Augusta National will play host to 95 of the top golfers on the planet this weekend, and only one will don the famous green jacket early Sunday evening.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • If the book falters, the production numbers – some based on famous Marilyn images and tropes, like the Seven Year Itch‘s subway grate scene, and the Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend bit – are suitably flashy.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • The study published in the eminent science journal, The Lancet, and falsely linked MMR vaccines with autism.
    — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Costa interviews eminent subjects on both sides of the ideological divide, including current president Lula, former president Bolsonaro, and evangelical minister (and Bolsonaro ally) Silas Malafaia.
    — Erik Morse, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of eminent
Adjective
  • Champ Celebration: The Royals will welcome back notable alumni for championship gala Here are more notable aspects of Thursday’s game: Michael Massey records three hits The Royals need productive at-bats.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Weekends can get crowded, but weekdays are quieter, meaning the short, steep hikes to various overlooks—including Old Baldy (the park's most notable hill) will be less traversed.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of notable

Browse Nearby Words

illustrative
illustrious
illustriousness
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Cite this Entry

“Illustrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrious. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of illustrious for Spanish Speakers

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