Synonyms for

Illustrious

Verb / ˌɪˈlʌstri:ʌs / Another word for illustrious — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

very famous, distinguished, or excellent

Synonyms & similar words

famed celebrated farfamed famous noted renowned notable famous esteemed renowned prestigious notable eminent distinguished outstanding exceptional brilliant glorious splendid excellent superior remarkable memorable noteworthy important significant prominent

Synonyms by register

Formal

eminent distinguished prominent renowned

Informal

famous well-known celebrated

Literary

august venerable legendary

Antonyms

unknown obscure unremarkable ordinary common mediocre insignificant

Common collocations

  • illustrious career
  • illustrious history
  • illustrious figure
  • illustrious past
  • illustrious reputation
  • illustrious lineage
  • illustrious service

Word family

noun illustriousness
adverb illustriously

Usage note

Illustrious typically describes someone or something with a long and distinguished history or reputation. It carries a sense of admiration and high regard.

Example sentences

  1. The president gave an illustrious speech at the United Nations.
  2. Illustrious scientists have made many important discoveries throughout history.
  3. Being the first person to climb Mount Everest was an illustrious achievement.
  4. Her illustrious career as a singer spanned several decades.
  5. The school was named after an illustrious former student who went on to become a famous author.

Quotes

  • Life is a journey, and if you fall in love with the journey, you will be in love forever. - Peter Hagerty
  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas Edison

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