eminent
Americanadjective
-
high in station, rank, or repute; prominent; distinguished.
eminent statesmen.
- Synonyms:
- noted, illustrious, renowned, celebrated
-
conspicuous, signal, or noteworthy.
eminent fairness.
- Synonyms:
- outstanding, remarkable, noteworthy, notable
-
eminent peaks.
-
prominent; projecting; protruding.
an eminent nose.
adjective
-
above others in rank, merit, or reputation; distinguished
an eminent scientist
-
(prenominal) noteworthy, conspicuous, or outstanding
eminent good sense
-
projecting or protruding; prominent
Usage
What does eminent mean? Eminent means high in station, rank, or reputation. Its noun form, eminence, refers to a position of superiority, high rank or status, or fame. Someone who is eminent is prominent or distinguished in some way, especially within a particular field. The word is often associated with scholars. Eminent is similar to prominent but is perhaps even more positive. Someone who is prominent is well-known and often important. Someone who is considered eminent is often both well-known and well-respected. Still, the words are often used in overlapping ways. The word preeminent means extremely eminent—eminent or outstanding above all others. The adverb eminently usually just means highly or very. It’s typically used to modify (describe) adjectives, as in She is eminently qualified. Example: He has achieved prominence in his field of study and is one of the most eminent scholars in the nation.
Synonym Usage
See famous.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of eminent
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin ēminent-, stem of ēminēns “outstanding, projecting,” present participle of ēminēre “to stand out, project,” from ē- e- 1 + min- “to put forward, stick out” + ēre, infinitive verb suffix
Explanation
Anyone highly regarded or prominent is eminent. Eminent people are very successful at their jobs. If you’ve heard of Neil deGrasse Tyson, it’s probably because he’s an eminent astrophysicist. Every field has eminent — impressive, famous, or accomplished — people. Two of the most eminent coaches in the history of professional basketball are Red Auerbach and Phil Jackson because they've won the most championships. Beethoven was an eminent musician. Frank Lloyd Wright was an eminent architect. Eminent people loom over a field because they're influential and you can't avoid hearing about them. It's not easy to be eminent because you have to be extremely successful.
Vocabulary lists containing eminent
Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2
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An "August" Assortment: Words Worthy of Honor
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Animal Farm
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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.
The director would be able to manage public works projects, including construction, buying or leasing property, exercising eminent domain with City Council approval, granting street permits, regulating parking and recommending budgets for the department.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
In July he drew the attention of Musk, whom he has praised as "the most eminent personality in the world."
From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026
Landowners in communities adjacent to the park are still gearing up to face eminent domain challenges from the federal government.
From Salon ● May 25, 2026
Like its predecessors, “Triumph and Illusion” combines exhaustive scholarship with eminent readability.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 11, 2026
Bingley urged Mr. Jones’s being sent for immediately; while his sisters, convinced that no country advice could be of any service, recommended an express to town for one of the most eminent physicians.
From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
