distinguished 1 of 2

distinguished

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verb

past tense of distinguish
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as in characterized
to be an important feature of a collection of recipes distinguished by their ease and simplicity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word distinguished different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of distinguished are celebrated, eminent, famous, illustrious, noted, notorious, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

When is it sensible to use celebrated instead of distinguished?

The words celebrated and distinguished are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When could eminent be used to replace distinguished?

Although the words eminent and distinguished have much in common, eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When can famous be used instead of distinguished?

The meanings of famous and distinguished largely overlap; however, famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

When might illustrious be a better fit than distinguished?

While the synonyms illustrious and distinguished are close in meaning, illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

When would noted be a good substitute for distinguished?

In some situations, the words noted and distinguished are roughly equivalent. However, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

How do notorious and famous relate to one another, in the sense of distinguished?

Notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.

a notorious gangster

In what contexts can renowned take the place of distinguished?

While in some cases nearly identical to distinguished, 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 distinguished
Adjective
Nelson is a 1995 graduate of the university’s construction-managment program and was honored in 2016 as a distinguished alumnus. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 25 Feb. 2025 As a founding member of The Impressions, his distinguished voice helped shape the sound of R&B and soul, leaving an indelible mark on American music. Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
Beta Fiction is also distinguished by its ambition. John Hopewell, Variety, 30 Dec. 2024 Carter's life after the presidency was distinguished by faith, advocacy, and service. Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for distinguished
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distinguished
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Proceeds from the sale will go to partially pre-pay outstanding bank loans, according to ABS-CBN, which has shrunk in size and been losing money since Congress didn't renew its broadcasting franchise in 2020.
    Ian Sayson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • That show earned her Emmy noms for lead actress in a drama series and outstanding writing for a drama series — in addition to BAFTA and Peabody wins.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Among the changes in the past few years, the retailer weeded out weak private labels, differentiated the ones that matter, and added new private labels to fill merchandise voids such as Xersion for active.
    David Moin, WWD, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Elwood Adams lasted for 235 years and was notably differentiated with good products, fair prices and personalized customer service.
    Franklin Tsung, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • His work is characterized by thorough research and a deep passion for gambling, including a keen interest in sports betting, online casinos, and poker strategies.
    Matthew Gover, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
  • The Pleistocene was characterized by dramatic changes in climate, including a series of ice ages.
    Andre A. Naranjo, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The officer has not been identified.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Jamar Banks, 52, was busted two days after police identified him as a suspect in the two stabbings and asked the public’s help tracking him down.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And our findings have broader implications for how species are classified and protected under conservation laws.
    Andre A. Naranjo, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Arrest warrant questioned Many law experts question the validity of the warrant, which specified that certain key provisions of South Korea's Criminal Procedure Act should be excluded, which meant the police could search the military and government-classified presidential residence.
    Joohee Cho, ABC News, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Empty show votes or cruelty on social media aren’t part of a thoughtful, dignified solution.
    Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Death is rarely physically dignified, and visibly withering from old age in front of the entire world is perhaps one of the heaviest crosses a pope must bear.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • She’s never gone to the prestigious awards show to perform or attend.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Her most recent book was poised to receive a prestigious award last year from a Native American and Indigenous studies association.
    Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distinguished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distinguished. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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