as in distinguished
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement
an illustrious physicist who is a sure bet for a Nobel Prize
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illustrious
Washington is a former KU women’s basketball coach with an illustrious career in Lawrence and beyond.
—
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 12 Feb. 2025
At the start of their illustrious careers, the pair starred together on ABC daytime soap opera.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025
What he’s done is build an illustrious business career, among them serving as president of the Jordan Brand and as president of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers.
—Malaika Jabali, Essence, 9 Feb. 2025
Busta’s new year has gotten off to a great start, as the 52-year-old has continued to receive his flowers in a show of respect for his cultural contributions and illustrious career.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrious
Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 12 Feb. 2025
At the start of their illustrious careers, the pair starred together on ABC daytime soap opera.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025
What he’s done is build an illustrious business career, among them serving as president of the Jordan Brand and as president of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers.
—Malaika Jabali, Essence, 9 Feb. 2025
Busta’s new year has gotten off to a great start, as the 52-year-old has continued to receive his flowers in a show of respect for his cultural contributions and illustrious career.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illustrious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illustrious
Adjective
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The walls of the Oval Office are adorned with portraits of presidents past, including the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln, a fitting nod to the history of such a distinguished work space.—
Ross O'Keefe,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
14 Feb. 2025
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Page also was a distinguished stage actress, appearing in The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant in 1980 and receiving the Moliere Award in 1996 for Colombe.—
Rhett Bartlett,
The Hollywood Reporter,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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Former Vice President Kamala Harris will receive the NAACP’s prestigious Chairman’s Award during the 2025 NAACP Image Awards.—
Hilary Lewis,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Feb. 2025
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The region is famed for its prestigious wine—Brunello di Montalcino—which is made from the Sangiovese grape and draws in oenophiles from around the world to experience its complex, elegant flavors.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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After Saturday’s game in the iconic home for Ohio State football, van Riemsdyk will have a two-game lead on some of the NHL’s most famous players: Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Evgeni Malkin, Brandon Saad, Brent Seabrook and Jonathan Toews, who have played six games each.—
Aaron Portzline,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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Levin's novels were a hot commodity in Hollywood at the time, especially after the success of his most famous novel, Rosemary's Baby (1967), adapted into a 1968 horror film starring Mia Farrow.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Since President Donald Trump has taken office, there have been delays in releasing MMWR reports, considered an eminent scientific publication for researchers around the world, amid cuts to health agencies.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
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Then the eminent fashion journalist Suzy Menkes intervened, advising him to return home.—
Naomi Rougeau,
Robb Report,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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That’s a notable departure from how USC, or most other schools, used to handle the role and a sign of the times in college football.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2025
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That would require a good deal of technical resources and would also likely present notable economic challenges for the social media platform, which only became profitable last year.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
17 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illustrious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illustrious. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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