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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
He was often ridiculed by contemporaries, including renowned adherents of the Nation of Islam such as Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, as being too actively focused on integration and too passively focused on Black empowerment, critiques of the Black political establishment that persist today. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025 Vicki and husband John Cowsill (of The Cowsills) will hit the road in June opening for The Minus 5, featuring Debbi on keyboards, along with renowned Seattle musician Scott McCaughey and R.E.M.’s Peter Buck. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025 The vodka is renowned for its herbal, slightly sweet flavor, which comes from the bison grass carefully added during production. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 The single’s artwork was created by renowned Mexican designer Alejandro Magallanes. Natalia Cano, Billboard, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for renowned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renowned
Adjective
  • Rare ‘Big 12’ Victories Aside from Vasco da Gama, the only side from Rio or São Paulo to win on opening day, only two more teams from Brazil’s famous big 12 registered three points.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Everyone scurrying in and out of Ringo’s suite looks famous, or almost famous.
    Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
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
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
  • 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
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 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
  • As a growing number of prominent 2021 campaign supporters have defected to rally behind Cuomo, Adams isn’t ruling out running as an independent in November’s general mayoral election in addition to the Democratic primary.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 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
  • The most notorious incident involved Bret Hart during WCW Starrcade 1999, where a mistimed superkick from Goldberg resulted in a severe concussion that ultimately contributed to Hart's premature retirement.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
  • New York City housing is notorious for being compact, but this roomy Brooklyn townhouse even includes a Dolby Atmos theater, editing rooms, and so much more.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Renowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renowned. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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