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. Robinson is a distinguished policy fellow at the Hoover Institution and a senior fellow at the Civitas Institute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 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

However, in line with international norms, citrus-based conserves will need to be distinguished as a separate type of product, and will have to be sold using the new legal name "citrus marmalade".

From BBC • Apr. 2, 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

By the end of my first season, even though I hadn’t quite distinguished myself as the world’s best épée fencer, I was in great shape.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

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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