renowned

1 of 2

adjective

re·​nowned ri-ˈnau̇nd 

: widely acclaimed and highly honored : celebrated

renowned

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of renown entry 2

Synonyms of renowned

Adjective

• famous
• famed
• celebrated
• prominent
• notorious

Choose the Right Synonym for renowned

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 renowned in a Sentence

Adjective

Poggio prospected for manuscripts across much of western Europe, visiting the renowned monasteries of Reichenau and Fulda, and wandering as far afield as Cologne, London, Paris, and Rome. —Fred Lerner, The Story of Libraries, 1998

He was renowned for his appetite—in the mid-60's, his daily breakfast consisted of six steaks, four plates of pasta and a dozen eggs … —Maureen Dowd, New York Times, 24 June 1993

… it was hard for me to realize that I was to be honoured by a degree from the oldest and most renowned university in America. —Booker T. Washington, Up From Slavery, 1901

a restaurant renowned for its wine list

the renowned painter, sculptor, architect, and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Have dinner at Wildes at the Lodge, named for William Wilde, a renowned surgeon who owned a home in the area—and who happened to be the father of a writer named Oscar. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Speaking anonymously, a senior Goddard astrophysicist who has worked on several spacecraft missions says rebuilding the renowned campus, which was established in 1959, will be difficult. — Eric Niiler, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026

Things to do in Blowing Rock Western North Carolina’s is renowned for its scenic beauty and accessible parks. — Eva Flowe, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026

Visiting official Shi Taifeng, a member of the Politburo of China’s ruling Communist Party, referred to Tung in a eulogy as a close friend of the party and a renowned patriot, according to China’s official Xinhua News Agency. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see renown entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing renowned

• world-renowned

Rhymes for renowned

• aboveground
• battleground
• belowground
• paperbound
• turnaround
• ultrasound
• underground
• wraparound
• abound
• aground
• around
• astound

Kids Definition

renowned

adjective

re·​nowned ri-ˈnau̇nd 

: having renown : celebrated