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 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 Then the eminent fashion journalist Suzy Menkes intervened, advising him to return home. Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2025 The Sundance Film Festival will bring millions of dollars in revenue to the Boulder area as 60,000 affluent tourists descend on the town for one of the world’s pre-eminent independent film screenings. The Denver Post Editorial Board, The Denver Post, 3 Feb. 2025 In 1900, the eminent mathematician David Hilbert announced a list of 23 key problems to guide the next century of mathematical research. Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for eminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eminent
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
Adjective
  • Her thirty-five-year corporate journey has been marked by outstanding achievement and transformative influence.
    Mamie Jones, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Explore Kylie Minogue See latest videos, charts and news The honor, awarded annually by APRA AMCOS, recognizes outstanding contributions to the Australian music industry.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025
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
  • President Trump has long celebrated his familial ties to MIT, a prestigious college that has spared no criticism of the administration's policies in recent weeks.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Comedian Denis Leary is crediting a nun for his illustrious career in Hollywood.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • For decades now Obama has been the perfect politician’s spouse, accompanying her husband through his illustrious career and setting her own ambitions aside.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The funeral will take place in St. Peter's Square, the famous large plaza in front of the basilica in Vatican City.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Indeed, attendees on the first Monday in May can more or less count on rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s most famous actors, models, singers, humanitarians—and even politicians.
    Vogue, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Set on Royal Terrace—one of Edinburgh’s most notable streets—a 19th-century Georgian townhouse has just hit the market with Knight Frank for £2.95 million (about $3.9 million).
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Eminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eminent. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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