celebrated

adjective

cel·​e·​brat·​ed ˈse-lə-ˌbrā-təd 

: widely known and often referred to

a celebrated author

celebratedness noun

Synonyms

• big-name
• famed
• famous
• noted
• notorious
• prominent
• renowned
• star
• visible
• well-known

Choose the Right Synonym for celebrated

famous, renowned, celebrated, noted, notorious, distinguished, eminent, illustrious mean known far and wide.

famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

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

a notorious gangster

distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

Examples of celebrated in a Sentence

He is one of today's most celebrated young writers.

a celebrated author making an appearance on a talk show

Recent Examples on the Web

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was first published in May 2024. CNN — At this point in pop culture, Kendrick Lamar may be the most celebrated hater of all time. —Lisa Respers France, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025

Reneé Rapp does things her way — even when joining the ranks of one of the largest and most celebrated beauty brands in the world. —Jason Sheeler, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025

The law is considered one of the most celebrated legislative achievements in U.S. history. —Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Jan. 2025

The original vision of celebrated midcentury architects Morris Lapidus and Igor Polevitzky has been thoughtfully reimagined by ADC Atelier, preserving key heritage features of the hotel, including the historic façade and the '50s-era landmark diving board at the oceanfront pool. —Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of celebrate

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

celebrated

adjective

cel·​e·​brat·​ed

: widely known and often mentioned

a celebrated writer