Definitions

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.

Marshall was in his 40s and a distinguished stage actor when he made this film.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

A former member of the Special Air Service Regiment, Roberts-Smith was once lauded as Australia's most distinguished living war hero.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

The click-wheel design distinguished the device and introduced the iTunes library, paving the way for legal digital music downloading to hit the mainstream.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

She distinguished herself writing episodes of weird, atmospheric series including Netflix’s “Brand New Cherry Flavor,” a nightmarish exploration of witchcraft and filmmaking in 1990s L.A., and “Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities,” also for Netflix.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

"He was a very distinguished soldier," Brett said.

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway

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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