distinguished

[dih-sting-gwisht] / dɪˈstɪŋ gwɪʃt /

ADJECTIVE

famous, outstanding

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acclaimed brilliant dignified eminent esteemed famed great honored illustrious noble notable noted prominent remarkable renowned reputable venerable well-known

STRONG

arresting celebrated high-profile imposing marked name shining signal striking

WEAK

aristocratic big-name conspicuous distingué especial extraordinary foremost glorious highly regarded memorable nonpareil noteworthy peerless royal salient singular special stately superior talked of unforgettable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

infamous insignificant lowly normal obscure ordinary stupid typical undignified unimportant unknown unremarkable unrespected

STRONG

unimpressive

WEAK

common standard unextraordinary

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr. Kerry served as U.S. secretary of state, 2013-17, and a distinguished fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

She puts on an actor’s airs and walks with a distinguished posture, proud of herself and her son, even if it’s an illusion.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

The study was led by Dr. Ashok Shetty, university distinguished professor and associate director of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, together with senior research scientists Dr. Madhu Leelavathi Narayana and Dr. Maheedhar Kodali.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

Although Alonso, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career and led Bayer Leverkusen to league and cup success in Germany, is an exciting appointment for supporters, there is also an acceptance he faces a difficult task.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Once, it had seemed to me that when I should at last roll up my shirt-sleeves and go into the forge, Joe’s ’prentice, I should be distinguished and happy.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

Vocabulary lists containing distinguished

"The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant

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And Then There Were None

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"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 14–18

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