1
2

Try This Instead

For
Try This
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

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 famous Chef Raheem Sealey, famous for his time in the kitchen at KYU and his beloved barbecue spot Drinking Pig, has found his way back to Miami. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2025 The bi-continental film tells the story of a famous Spanish chef who returns from Uruguay to Spain to attend her mother’s funeral. Jamie Lang, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025 The release of Good American Family, an Ellen Pompeo limited series based on the adoption of Natalia Grace by Kristine and Michael Barnett, has brought the very famous case back to the spotlight. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 19 Mar. 2025 While plants in the mint family are famous for popping up in unwanted places, controlling the spread isn’t as hard as it is made out to be. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for famous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for famous
Adjective
  • Fans will recall Vivian looking for a cocktail dress at a boutique on the famed luxury fashion street.
    Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Jennie: The Ruby Experience is at the famed Radio City Music Hall for one night only.
    Irene Kim, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As one of the few Black doctors in Kansas City after the Civil Rights era, Carter established a family practice that provided excellent care to local residents.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Dairy milk promotes growth and recovery Dairy milk is an excellent source of high-quality protein, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth, said Heckler.
    Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Ruth Reichl, the celebrated food writer and longtime restaurant critic for the New York Times, will be in Henrico on Thursday to promote her new book.
    Karri Peifer, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025
  • The film, based on Georges Simenon’s 1950 novel, stars Depardieu as a celebrated but tyrannical actor grappling with personal and professional decline.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump also targeted the law firm Covington & Burling through an executive order while Perkins Coie, another prominent law firm that Trump targeted with an executive order, took the issue to court and won a temporary restraining order against the order.
    Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The piece's stamp on the back also signified that it was brought to the United States by a high-end importer and sold to a prominent art collector, Markow said.
    Megan Forrester, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Here are some of the most beautiful tulip festivals to catch across the globe as well as how tulips came to have cultural significance in each destination.
    Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Rylance carries a striking and beautiful complexity across the series.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The renowned pastor joined the TODAY show on March 26 to discuss the health scare.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Additionally, the Launch Test Kitchen, located on the View Level, will invite guest chefs throughout the season to bring their culinary creativity to Oracle Park, presenting innovative food concepts inspired by San Francisco’s renowned restaurant scene.
    Nasha Smith, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • So, if the audience doesn’t dismiss it on account of the language barrier (as in subtitles), then that would be great.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • His disapproval on inflation is even greater at 58 percent.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Famous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/famous. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on famous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!