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.

What distinguished Didion is her style, so carefully milled as to be not noticed at first.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

The actor gives a distinguished, surprising performance as the jealous general in Simon Godwin’s superb production at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington.

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

"When a robot costs 17 million, you'd re-organise your factory around the robot, but it doesn't anymore," says Bill Ray, distinguished VP analyst at Gartner.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

The Soviets were all not just professional players, but grandmasters, the designation given to the highest-rated chess masters who have distinguished themselves in international tournaments.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

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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