distinguished

1 of 2

adjective

dis·​tin·​guished di-ˈstiŋ-(g)wisht How to pronounce distinguished (audio)
Synonyms of distinguished
1
: marked by eminence, distinction (see distinction sense 4), or excellence
distinguished leadership
our distinguished guest
2
: befitting an eminent person
a distinguished setting

distinguished

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of distinguish

Synonyms of distinguished

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Adjective

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Choose the Right Synonym for distinguished

famous, renowned, celebrated, noted, notorious, distinguished, eminent, illustrious mean known far and wide.

famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.

a notorious gangster

distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

Examples of distinguished in a Sentence

Adjective She is distinguished for her achievements in genetic research. heads turned as the well-dressed, distinguished couple strode through the hotel lobby
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Our distinguished community of musical-theater actors deserves greater challenges and if theaters don’t train audiences to take a risk on newer material, its embrace will be yet harder in generations to come. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Satsky’s attorney, Robert Anello of New York, told The Charlotte Observer Tuesday that his client has a distinguished 30-year career in finance and an unblemished reputation for integrity. — Chase Jordan august 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026 The Glaser Weil partner will be presented with a Visionary Award for her distinguished and sometimes fierce career. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 For more than two centuries, the storied estate in Lexington has been a place where accomplished horsemen and women have bred, raised, and trained some of the sport’s most distinguished horses. — Mark David, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distinguished

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see distinguish

First Known Use

Adjective

1714, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of distinguished was in 1714

Phrases Containing distinguished

Rhymes for distinguished

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Browse Nearby Words

distinguishably
distinguished
Distinguished Conduct Medal
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Cite this Entry

“Distinguished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinguished. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

distinguished

adjective
dis·​tin·​guished
: widely known and admired for excellence
a distinguished scientist
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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