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

Examples 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 The molcajete, the iconic Mexican version of the mortar and pestle, has enjoyed quite the illustrious trajectory, beginning in pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican cultures and ultimately ending up on jeb2016.com. —Jp Brammer, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024 Cohen’s client list is so illustrious that most of the names have to be kept hush-hush, but suffice to say she’s worked with top talent from the likes of Kering Group, Condé Nast and the BBC. —Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Thousands of the world's most illustrious mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts descended upon Spain’s capital as The World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2024 was revealed during a riveting live ceremony. —Megan Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 23 Oct. 2024 An illustrious roster has taken the bait, including Amazon, Google, Cisco, IBM, Microsoft, Broadcom, and Nvidia. —Charlie Campbell / Yerevan, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024 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
  • Rabinovich, a distinguished Israeli historian of the modern Middle… The War for Lebanon, 1970-1983 This is partly a history of Lebanon's breakdown and civil war, partly a study of why and how Israel went to war in 1982.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
  • For his distinguished service, Sumter awarded Ali land.
    Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • House Democrats initially planned to hold their leadership elections on Friday, but a handful of outstanding races prompted the caucus to reschedule the meeting.
    Nick Coltrain, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Exasperated Cowboys want explanation for no-call on 49ers’ key touchdown pass George Kittle — who was outstanding on Sunday, with a great scramble-drill touchdown catch — tried to spin the slop-fest as a positive.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • At the finish line of the 2015 Western States Endurance Run, arguably the most famous and most prestigious American ultramarathon, the crowd suddenly became energized.
    Brendan Leonard, Outside Online, 5 Nov. 2024
  • With offices in North America and Europe, Coppers and his team have worked with some of the world’s most prestigious brands to bring stories to life through elevated and immersive experiences.
    Meredith Ogilvie-Thompson, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
Definition of prestigious
Adjective
  • The Ballon Bleu is easily recognizable thanks to its signature blue sapphire cabochon crown within a protective metal arch and those famous Cartier Roman numerals.
    Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Related Video Nicki Minaj Transforms Herself for the Met Gala There, visitors can immerse themselves in delights including that Haring carousel (with three-dimensional versions of his famous line drawings for seats) and a ferris wheel conceived by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
    Ian Malone, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • In a lecture in 2012, the eminent physicist Freeman Dyson considered (opens a new tab) gravitational waves from the sun, where the violent churning of matter inside the star should constantly send out mild tremors in space-time.
    Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024
  • Their road to publication included a standard hurdle known as peer review, or the stage during which eminent scientists in the field examine and comment on the work.
    Katie Hunt, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024
Definition of eminent
Adjective
  • Following the legalization of marijuana in New Zealand, researchers observed a notable decline in alcohol consumption: There was a 6-9% decrease in the frequency of binge drinking among adults aged 21 and older.
    Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The decline in revenue coincides with one notable change within the group last year: the absence of its most prominent advocate.
    Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
Definition of notable

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Thesaurus Entries Near illustrious

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 3 Dec. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on illustrious

Nglish: Translation of illustrious for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of illustrious for Arabic Speakers

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