eminent

adjective

ˈe-mə-nənt How to pronounce eminent (audio)
Definition of eminentnext
as in distinguished
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement many eminent surgeons are on the hospital's staff

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Villa were the eminent team of that age, led by William McGregor, who served as the director, president and chairman for more than two decades as well as being the founder of the Football League. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2025 To get an authoritative answer, Fortune recruited three eminent executive search experts, each of whom has counseled scores of major boards on managing successions. —Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 22 July 2025 Each year, Central Texas gardeners face eminent heat, drought, floods or freezes, sometimes all four. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 She’s joined by an eminent paleontologist, Dr. Henry Loomis (Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey, who's much less interesting out of knee breaches and buckled shoes), and riverboat captain Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali, always interesting no matter what the role or film). —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for eminent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eminent
  1. distinguished
  2. outstanding
  3. prestigious
  4. illustrious
  5. famous
  6. notable
Adjective
  • Each year, Daniel and HFR present distinguished awards to individuals who are leading innovators in their respective fields.
    — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Storied military career After graduating from North Carolina A&T in 1963 with a degree in engineering physics, Joseph McNeil was commissioned as a second lieutenant through ROTC and began a distinguished Air Force career, according to his university.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • With its outstanding tennis and pickleball program, renowned surf school, and kids' clubs and beach clubs, there’s no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained.
    — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Without it, even the most outstanding work can quietly suffocate.
    — Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • Taylor Swift, Beyoncé Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, The Weeknd and Lady Gaga, who led the pack in 2025 with 12 total nominations, were all nominated in for the prestigious artist of the year award.
    — Caché McClay, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Ferrari Given his name, Adam Driver was seemingly predestined to play the man behind the world's most prestigious sports car.
    — Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of prestigious
Adjective
  • Once Prater’s now-illustrious game-winning kick sailed through the uprights, Ferguson jubilantly reminded everyone of his late-week prognostication.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • As this year’s host of MTV’s VMAs, the legendary musician and actor understands the importance of setting the atmosphere for one of music’s most illustrious nights.
    — Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 6 Sep. 2025
Definition of illustrious
Adjective
  • One such diamond-dripping famous face was Zoë Kravitz, elevating the LBD Kravitz-style.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Walk Flex-relish Slip-ins These slip-on shoes are from the brand’s famous Go Walk collection, which many would argue is one of the most comfortable sneaker collections on the planet.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • Our 20th anniversary retrospective, compiled by contributing editor Mary Scott, highlights many of these notable game-changers featured on our cover pages.
    — Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Other notable nominees included Ariana Grande, who took home the night's top prize, as well as The Weeknd, Billie Eilish, Charli xcx, Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus and Tate McRae.
    — Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of notable

Browse Nearby Words

éminences grises
eminent
eminently
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Cite this Entry

“Eminent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eminent. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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