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 Dalla Costa shared her ideas with other feminists, including Selma James, who lived in London and had been married to the eminent cultural historian and Pan-Africanist C. L. R. James. —Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025 The award ceremony was presided over by Silvia Grilli, editor-in-chief of the eminent Italian fashion magazine, Grazia. —Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 In 1949 the eminent mathematician Kurt Gödel, a longtime friend of Albert Einstein’s, discovered an exact analytical solution to Einstein’s general theory of relativity that included a rotating cosmos. —Paul M. Sutter, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2025 Great not only as in eye-catching, dazzling, eminent, and profound, but also great as in worthy of a spot on art’s Olympus. —Brian T. Allen, National Review, 15 May 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
  • Bruce Yandle is a distinguished adjunct fellow with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and former executive director of the Federal Trade Commission.
    — Bruce Yandle, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
  • Only the day before, the distinguished British medical journal the Lancet published a study warning about the potential consequences now looming.
    — Butch Meily, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe left frustrated Vinicius Jr had been looking to shine again in the U.S., yet the Brazilian departed with just one goal and one assist to his name from six games, with both his contributions coming in his outstanding performance against Salzburg.
    — Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Indeed, Nvidia has delivered outstanding financial performance.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025
Definition of outstanding
Adjective
  • Stanford has no natural ties to the ACC, and life is a lot harder now for the prestigious academic institution because of name, image and likeness, revenue sharing and the transfer portal.
    — Antonio Morales, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • In spite of difficulties at the festival, Dulac was able to lure prestigious guests to the event over the years, notably Keanu Reeves, Donald Sutherland, Agnès Varda, Brady Corbet, Ari Aster, Lily Gladstone, Joel Edgerton, Ira Sachs and Ben Winshaw.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 July 2025
Definition of prestigious
Adjective
  • The historian-college professor explores Blume’s middle-class, 1950s childhood in New Jersey, to adulthood when her passion for reading turned into an illustrious writing career.
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • The two legends only played in the same group 38 times during their illustrious careers.
    — Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Definition of illustrious
Adjective
  • The hotel is only steps away from Asteria beach, the most famous swimming spot in the port.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Arguably, the most famous sub-Neptune is K2-18b, an exoplanet which recently made global headlines due to the claim that dimethyl sulfide had been detected in its atmosphere.
    — Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • There's a major plot twist involving Superman's Kryptonian parents (as well as a far less extreme but still notable reimagining of his human parents) that has big implications for the character going forward.
    — James Grebey, Time, 11 July 2025
  • This matchup has become one of the most notable rivalries in women's boxing, and many will be tuning in to see who comes out on top this time.
    — Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 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 21 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of eminent for Spanish Speakers

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