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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of notorious are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, famous, illustrious, noted, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.

a notorious gangster

When is celebrated a more appropriate choice than notorious?

The meanings of celebrated and notorious largely overlap; however, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When would distinguished be a good substitute for notorious?

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

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

In what contexts can eminent take the place of notorious?

In some situations, the words eminent and notorious are roughly equivalent. However, eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When could famous be used to replace notorious?

Although the words famous and notorious have much in common, famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

When can illustrious be used instead of notorious?

The synonyms illustrious and notorious are sometimes interchangeable, but illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

When is it sensible to use noted instead of notorious?

While the synonyms noted and notorious are close in meaning, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

When might renowned be a better fit than notorious?

The words renowned and notorious can be used in similar contexts, but renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

Example 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 notorious Van Hollen was blocked Thursday by armed guards at a military checkpoint and turned away less than two miles from the notorious prison where Abrego Garcia is being held. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025 Chatsworth was notorious for not allowing filming, according to Greenwood. Abigail Lee, Variety, 18 Apr. 2025 The series flips the script on an industry notorious for unequal pay by leveling the playing field. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 When over 200 immigrants, mostly Venezuelans, were deported to El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison on March 15, just as J.G.G. v Trump was being heard, tattoos were among the reasons some migrants were sent there, potentially in error. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for notorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notorious
Adjective
  • In Henry’s latest, out April 22, two novelists compete for the chance to write a once-in-a-lifetime biography of a infamous heiress.
    Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
  • After being dealt from the Dodgers to the Boston Red Sox in 2020 as part of the infamous Mookie Betts trade, then traded again — this time by Boston to its archrival New York Yankees — the 28-year-old finally got his first chance to cash in via free agency after last season.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Augusta National will play host to 95 of the top golfers on the planet this weekend, and only one will don the famous green jacket early Sunday evening.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • If the book falters, the production numbers – some based on famous Marilyn images and tropes, like the Seven Year Itch‘s subway grate scene, and the Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend bit – are suitably flashy.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The mood shifts from shady to straight-up scandalous.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, Fenix lost the biggest match of his young WWE career, albeit under shady circumstances, while Americano picked up a WrestleMania win.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Set right on the thoroughfare that runs through its famed namesake area, you are surrounded by a wealth of shops, restaurants, and historical sites.
    Christina Liao, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The issue comes up in group chats, on web forums, and even, occasionally, in couples-therapy sessions that the famed psychologist Julie Gottman facilitates.
    Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The criminal search warrant centered on Old McDonald's Farm, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement to NPR.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Jorge Saldana-Gonzalez, 44, was arrested on a murder charge following the Saturday, April 5, shooting at Sandra’s Bar, on Alamo’s east side, according to a criminal complaint filed in Hidalgo County.
    Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Their synergy and captivating performances quickly elevated them to one of NXT's most celebrated tag teams, culminating in a reign as NXT Tag Team Champions.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Many of the most celebrated anime series, including Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, and One Piece, began as manga titles.
    Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Greer served as chief of staff to then-trade representative Robert Lighthizer during the first Trump administration, giving him a front row seat and a prominent role in negotiations with China on tariffs and an eventual trade agreement.
    Brett Samuels, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Among them was the explanation that Wuhan – the Chinese city where the virus first began spreading – is home to a prominent virology lab.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hollywood veterans as both producers and former co-chiefs of the film division at MGM, DeLuca and Abdy are renowned for their deep relationships with visionary moviemakers and long connection to prestige moviedom.
    Chris Lee, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Cape Hatteras, North Carolina Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which stretches for about 70 miles, is renowned for its pristine beaches and the striking black-and-white striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Notorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notorious. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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