EMINENT Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

eminent

adjective

ˈe-mə-nənt

Definition of eminent next

as in distinguished

standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement many eminent surgeons are on the hospital's staff

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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 For Mubi, the cost of success might not be eminent filmmakers, who have shown no sign that the Sequoia investment will keep them away. —

Will Tavlin, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025 On Halloween night, 1968, a flock of twenty eminent New Yorkers burst out of the door of Stephen Sondheim’s Turtle Bay town house. —

Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2025 Decision, activity, secrecy, and despatch will generally characterize the proceedings of one man in a much more eminent degree than the proceedings of any greater number. —

Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025 The reverberations have led to a dramatic staff revolt at one of the pre-eminent conservative think tanks and prompted rare intramural criticism from leading Senate Republicans. —

Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for eminent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eminent

Adjective

Folks rolled into the Mercury Theater, then under the management of Michael Cullen, who conveniently owned the Irish pub next door, replete with a distinguished meatloaf.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers (13 points) The Steelers summoned the 62-year-old Pittsburgh native after his one-year sabbatical, and McCarthy will continue his distinguished coaching tour after leading the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys earlier in his career.

— Jeff Howe, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026

Definition of distinguished

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“Eminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eminent. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 16 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

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