famous

adjective

fa·​mous ˈfā-məs 

1

a

: widely known

a restaurant famous for its French cuisine

b

: honored for achievement

a famous explorer

2

: excellent, first-rate

famous weather for a walk

famousness noun

Synonyms

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

Choose the Right Synonym for famous

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 famous in a Sentence

a book about some of the most famous people of the last century

the review gushed that the restaurant offered some truly famous Southern-style cooking

Recent Examples on the Web

The Ballon Bleu is easily recognizable thanks to its signature blue sapphire cabochon crown within a protective metal arch and those famous Cartier Roman numerals. —Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024

The beers that made Texas famous The consumption of beer can be traced back to the earliest days of the Texas Republic. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Except maybe who’s going to get to take home the leftovers of Aunt Carol’s famous sweet potato casserole. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024

The famous beauty tag line was repeated throughout the night at the event, now in its 19th year of spotlighting female nonprofit leaders. —Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin famosus, from fama fame

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing famous

• world-famous

Kids Definition

famous

adjective

fa·​mous ˈfā-məs 

1

: much talked about : very well-known

famous explorer

2

: excellent

famous weather for a picnic