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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 Dickinson, of course, is a multiple time All-American and one of the most famous (and highly compensated) players in America. Brendan Marks, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 Live out your Pride and Prejudice dreams in Derbyshire Several historic manor houses and estates across Derbyshire and the Peak District served as the sets for both the 1995 BBC television adaptation and the 2005 film adaptation of Austen’s most famous novel, Pride and Prejudice. Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 17 Jan. 2025 Perry, famous for his volume as a producer, has also turned the titles around swiftly compared to other overall creators at Netflix. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025 Russian ballet companies, including the Bolshoi, were a mainstay of this opulent theater, famous for its flawless acoustics. Michael Robinson Chávez, NPR, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for famous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for famous
Adjective
  • The famed Chinese restaurant received a yellow placard for several health and safety violations.
    Hannah Poukish, Sacramento Bee, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The fire that sparked late Wednesday near the heart of the entertainment industry came perilously close to igniting the famed Hollywood Bowl outdoor concert venue.
    John Seewer, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • With excellent lift access, 12 lifts provide visitors with access to 244 skiable acres.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Now is an excellent moment to be brave and explore new projects, people and plans.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The celebrated fantasy author is best known for properties like The Sandman, Good Omens and Coraline.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Born in Milan in 1942, Toscani was the son of celebrated Corriere della Sera photojournalist Fedele Toscani.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The property’s prime location is also close to the launch sites of the area’s famed hot air balloon rides, which are a wonderful way to take in the spectacular views of the otherworldly land formations.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
  • At 6-2, 202 pounds, Will Johnson has excellent size and length for a cornerback and would be a wonderful complement to Gardner.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • China remains the most prominent long-term threat to U.S. hegemony abroad, the president told the audience — a point of agreement with many in Trump’s circle.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Jan. 2025
  • In office, Voinovich corresponded frequently with the state’s most prominent bishops, in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
    Alec MacGillis, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s made entirely from a luxurious Merino wool that’s gentle against the skin and incredibly warm, and beautiful ribbed detailing adds the perfect finishing touch to this classic piece.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2025
  • As the smoke began to clear after two days of intense fire, Pacific Palisades appeared more like a moonscape of destruction than an upscale neighborhood known for its ocean views, beautiful vistas and celebrity denizens.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Altadena, a diverse working-class community in Los Angeles County, is a far cry from the more renowned Pasadena, its neighbor directly north, and the nearby and more glitzy and wealthy Pacific Palisades neighborhood in LA.
    Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Those investors benefit from the services of some of the Caribbean’s most renowned designers and constructors of ultra-luxury properties.
    Panorama Media Ltd., Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Finance chief Amy Hood said in October that revenue growth from Microsoft’s Azure cloud will speed up in the first half of this year because of greater AI infrastructure capacity.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Foul drawers: Arizona State does a great job of drawing fouls, ranking No. 76 in free-throw rate (76.9).
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near famous

Cite this Entry

“Famous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/famous. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on famous

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