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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

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 renowned
Adjective
When renowned Basque chef Andoni Luis Aduriz learned that Grupo Xcaret had opened an ultra-boutique, adults-only hotel within its award-winning ecotourism resort, his desire to take over the property’s upcoming signature restaurant was almost immediate. Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 Burruss shared a reel with sweet snaps of their time at the renowned resort complex. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 15 Apr. 2025 Within this abstract framing, the troupe’s renowned gymnastic ingenuity soars. Karen D'souza, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025 Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son attended the concert but did not return home, was among those anxiously waiting outside the club known for its traditional Monday parties where renowned national and international artists perform. Danica Coto, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for renowned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renowned
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
  • The all cash deal, valued at $1.375 billion, will merge two of the most famous Italian luxury fashion brands under one roof.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 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
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
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Also; regardless if the Rockies are good or bad; shouldn’t they be applauded for bringing up prospects early and not pausing for a future control that might be meaningless?
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Dirk Nowitzki, in attendance, applauded him.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Rain isn’t the only concern for the Rays this season; fans will now be exposed to the area’s notorious summer heat and humidity.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Durham has a notorious one called the ‘Canopener’ that is featured on a website and Youtube channel 11foot8.com by Jurgen Henn, who has captured 186 crashes since April of 2008.
    Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Renowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renowned. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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