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a famous battle
a historical battle
a famed battle
a prominent battle
a notable battle
a notorious battle
famous people
prominent people
noteworthy people
notable people
renowned people
a famous phrase
a classic phrase
a popular phrase
an iconic phrase
a memorable phrase
an immortal phrase
famous players
famed players
iconic players
notable players
illustrious players
legendary players

Synonym Chooser

How is the word famous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of famous are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noted, notorious, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

When is it sensible to use celebrated instead of famous?

While in some cases nearly identical to famous, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When could distinguished be used to replace famous?

The words distinguished and famous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

Where would eminent be a reasonable alternative to famous?

The synonyms eminent and famous are sometimes interchangeable, but eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When might illustrious be a better fit than famous?

While the synonyms illustrious and famous are close in meaning, illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

When would noted be a good substitute for famous?

Although the words noted and famous have much in common, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

How do notorious and famous relate to one another?

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

a notorious gangster

When is renowned a more appropriate choice than famous?

In some situations, the words renowned and famous are roughly equivalent. However, renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of famous The visit to the university came on the same day as a trip to a marketplace in the Fijian capital which became perhaps the most famous part of the whole tour for a bizarre moment in which Meghan was rushed out by her security. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 And just like that, the chain’s most famous site opened a year later in a former derelict paper mill in Elephant and Castle. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Europe, 5 Nov. 2024 One of Jones’ most famous productions stands as his top-selling title in this sad moment, but it’s not credited to him as an artist. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 At one point in his new A24 thriller Heretic, the actor, 64, does an impression of Jar Jar Binks, the character made famous by Ahmed Best in the space-opera franchise's prequel trilogy beginning with 1999's Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace. Jen Juneau, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for famous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for famous
Adjective
  • The Fowlerville Community Theater drew direct parallels between the play — adapted from the famed diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl killed by Nazis in the Holocaust — and the events of Saturday night.
    David K. Li, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • And a new poll from famed Iowa pollster Ann Selzer published by the Des Moines Register showed her ahead of Trump by three points in Iowa, a Trump-friendly state.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Beats Studio Pro headphones deliver premium sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and a sleek, durable design.
    Juhi Wadia, PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Later in the day, someone older or more experienced might have excellent advice for you.
    Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • For the celebrated author Dave Eggers and his younger brother Toph, who’d had a run of collaborations, the rupture in their bond could perhaps be attributed to all these things.
    Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The celebrated chef debuted on Tuesday the steakhouse La Tête d’Or in the Flatiron District of Manhattan.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In a testament to the power of libraries creating a sense of community through programs, a patron shared a wonderful anecdote recently with our youth services librarian, Melissa Burke.
    Barbara D. Hathaway, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • It’s got wonderful culture, interesting history, amazing attractions and businesses.
    Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Nearly $1 billion in donations have poured in, much coming from corporations such as Apple and the Total energy group, and prominent French lineages, including the Bettencourt Meyers family of L’Oréal, the Pinaults of Kering, and the Arnaults of LVMH.
    Dana Thomas, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Among the prominent voices in the filmmaking community who have advocated on Eastwood’s behalf is Guillermo del Toro, who recently took to rising social platform Blue Sky to discuss his experience with the film.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The crisp air and vibrant colors of the orchards create a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely day.
    Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Replacing a drab sky with a beautiful one used to be a many-step process involving manual masking and layers.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • These cities host globally renowned fashion schools, attract billions in investment, and maintain robust logistics networks that support their status as style epicenters.
    Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Designed by renowned architects like C. Howard Crane & Associates; Verner, Wilhelm & Molby; William H. Kuni; Clarence E. Day, and Richard Marr, each residence offers a glimpse into the artistry and design of Detroit’s historic Palmer Woods neighborhood.
    Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Standing soybeans, freshly cut corn, or any other crop with waist grain on the ground can be great.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The increase in net loss is due to the decrease in sales being greater than the decrease in operating expenses.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near famous

Cite this Entry

“Famous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/famous. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on famous

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