Synonyms of renowned

renowned 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈnau̇nd 

as in famous

widely known

the renowned painter, sculptor, architect, and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci

Synonyms & Similar Words

• famous
• famed
• celebrated
• prominent
• notorious
• distinguished
• legendary
• infamous
• respected
• noted
• well-known
• visible
• illustrious
• notable
• star
• outstanding
• leading
• big-name
• prestigious
• remarkable
• important
• respectable
• eminent
• great
• fabled
• exceptional
• popular
• honorable
• noteworthy
• fabulous
• reputable
• superior
• recognized
• favorite
• formidable
• preferred
• acknowledged
• significant
• preeminent
• estimable
• redoubtable
• supereminent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unknown
• obscure
• unsung
• anonymous
• nameless
• insignificant
• unimportant
• unfamous
• uncelebrated
• inconspicuous
• undistinguished
• unpopular
• unexceptional

renowned

2 of 2

verb

past tense of renown

as in acclaimed

Related Words

• acclaimed
• commended
• complimented
• applauded
• hailed
• saluted
• idolized
• celebrated
• praised
• eulogized
• lauded
• extolled
• worshipped
• adored
• belauded
• deified
• cheered
• blessed
• exalted
• emblazoned
• cited
• chanted
• rhapsodized
• recommended
• resounded
• hymned
• magnified
• flattered
• glorified
• touted
• caroled
• cracked up

Dissimilar Words

• blamed
• criticized
• censured
• reprobated
• admonished
• reproved
• rebuked
• reprimanded
• reprehended
• reproached
• castigated
• lambasted
• chid
• keelhauled

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of renowned are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, famous, illustrious, noted, and notorious. While all these words mean "known far and wide," renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

In what contexts can celebrated take the place of renowned?

In some situations, the words celebrated and renowned are roughly equivalent. However, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When might distinguished be a better fit than renowned?

While the synonyms distinguished and renowned are close in meaning, distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

When is it sensible to use eminent instead of renowned?

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

the country's most eminent writers

When is famous a more appropriate choice than renowned?

The words famous and renowned are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 renowned?

Although the words illustrious and renowned have much in common, illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

When would noted be a good substitute for renowned?

While in some cases nearly identical to renowned, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

How do notorious and famous relate to one another, in the sense of renowned?

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

a notorious gangster

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of renowned

Adjective

The 10 oil paintings, which are on the 18-meter-high (60-foot-high) ceilings of the renowned Burgtheater in Austria’s capital, are being restored because of water damage. —ABC News, 5 May 2026

The club also takes exclusive annual trips, offers VIP access to renowned cultural events like ARCO, and provides premium tickets to major soccer games. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 5 May 2026

Allen recorded the project at Austin’s venerable Arlyn Studios, with renowned guitarist — and mentor to Allen — Charlie Sexton co-producing along with Jacob Sciba. —Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 4 May 2026

In their own time they were renowned for their homemade medicinal remedies. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 4 May 2026