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renowned

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verb

past tense of renown

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

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 renowned
Adjective
LaVine went to the same high school as renowned Seattle-area native Jamal Crawford. Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025 Michael Albertus is a professor of political science at the University of Chicago and an internationally renowned expert on land issues. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025 Lara is renowned for his ability to meld traditional Latin sounds with exploratory electronic elements and kitschy Mexican folk. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 10 Jan. 2025 Lazarus The anime works of Shinichiro Watanabe are renowned for their crossover appeal; his seminal works Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo are often recommended as anime gateways. Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for renowned 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renowned
Adjective
  • Rifle High School had no commemoration of its most famous former student.
    Peter Hessler, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Other artists include Ed Ruscha, Maria Abramovich, the late Richard Serra, and additional famous names.
    Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • It’s kept that de facto title ever since—especially during a recent interior refresh by famed interior designer Holly Hunt.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • After reminding me of this quote, Grantham commended Prince, kind of.
    John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Many social media comments, meanwhile, commended Baldoni's promotional message for viewers to always have hope.
    Emma Bowman, NPR, 22 Dec. 2024
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
Verb
  • Others complimented the easy assembly and sturdy structure.
    Madison Yauger, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Hawaii Honolulu City Lights is a month-long event within this city, and it is complimented by holiday trees and other decorations and special night themes.
    Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The retailers released their guidance ahead of the annual ICR conference in Orlando when some of the most prominent U.S. retailers are expected to announce early holiday results and meet with investors and analysts about their performance.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 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
Verb
  • Family members applauded and cheered, celebrating both his academic achievement and his birthday in unison.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Meanwhile Clarksville was applauded for its offerings for tourists and locals alike while making room for new businesses like hotels and restaurants.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Vancouver’s permissive policies and mild weather have lured thousands of people who are vulnerable to addiction to a city notorious for Canada’s most expensive housing.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Advertisement Cuba always seemed an odd member of the notorious club, which included Syria and Iran.
    Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near renowned

Cite this Entry

“Renowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renowned. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on renowned

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