distinguished

adjective

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

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 Basil Rathbone, who played Capt. Vere, was an elegant, distinguished talent. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 Custom high-end shelving and cabinetry line the stately and distinguished office, which offers ample storage and workspace. Bang Advertising Staff and Correspondents, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 It was renamed to the Bill Nunn Jr. Award in 2021 and is presented yearly during the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremonies to the reporter who has made a long and distinguished contribution through their coverage of the game. CBS News, 4 Mar. 2024 Director John Waters was presented with the ACE Golden Eddie, which recognizes an artist for their distinguished achievement in film. Tyler Coates, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Mar. 2024 Rising temperatures, extreme weather threaten to propel malaria spread More than two-thirds of South Africa’s 20,400 plant species are found nowhere else in the world, said Karen Esler, a distinguished professor of conservation at Stellenbosch University. Katharine Houreld, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 Macro Images For the photographer, this particular seahorse made a striking contrast with the surrounding coral, the result of its especially distinguished markings around the eye, and the jaw-dropping color palette. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 His dedication to his field and his patients have established him as a distinguished figure in public health and musculoskeletal medicine. Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2024 The honorees include distinguished educators, actors, authors, philanthropists, activists, CEOs and more. The Indianapolis Star, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distinguished.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see distinguish

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of distinguished was in 1714

Dictionary Entries Near distinguished

Cite this Entry

“Distinguished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinguished. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

distinguished

adjective
dis·​tin·​guished
: widely known and admired for excellence
a distinguished scientist

More from Merriam-Webster on distinguished

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