renowned

adjective

re·​nowned ri-ˈnau̇nd 

: widely acclaimed and highly honored : celebrated

Synonyms

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

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

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

In the island’s oppressive heat, Mark and I strolled over to a neighboring mall, where Ascot Chang, the renowned maker of shirts and suits, has one of its stores. —Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025

And come May, Nobu, a high-end Japanese restaurant founded by renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, will open in the beachfront space formerly occupied by Sheerwater. —Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025

Free admission for kids 5 and under. Learn about Black history through hands-on art experiences at Afro Legacy Fest or check out the museum’s newest exhibitions from internationally renowned artists. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2025

The Star spoke to three renowned football coaches — Joey McGuire (Texas Tech University), Joel Applebee (Mill Valley HS) and Sean Martin (Raymore-Peculiar HS) — to better understand what makes Spagnuolo difficult to counter. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see renown entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing renowned

• world-renowned

Kids Definition

renowned

adjective

re·​nowned ri-ˈnau̇nd 

: having renown : celebrated