renowned

adjective

re·​nowned ri-ˈnau̇nd 

: widely acclaimed and highly honored : celebrated

Synonyms of renowned

• 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

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

France's Gironde department is renowned for its wine industry. — CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026

The gallery program, presented by Artforum, is the cornerstone of the inaugural event, bringing together more than 76 world renowned galleries shaping the contemporary art world. — News Desk, Artforum, 4 Aug. 2026

Taste Master & Master Medal Produced by renowned Master Distiller Chip Tate, for Foley Family Wines & Spirits, Ampersand Aureus represents one of the newest expressions in the premium bourbon categry. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

While miniature portraits had grown in popularity before the advent of photography, Shushan estimates that only a dozen or so renowned artists were making eye portraits, including the painters George Engleheart and Richard Cosway. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see renown entry 1

First Known Use

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