famous

adjective

fa·​mous ˈfā-məs 

1

a

: widely known

a restaurant famous for its French cuisine

b

: honored for achievement

a famous explorer

2

: excellent, first-rate

famous weather for a walk

famousness noun

Synonyms

• big-name
• celebrated
• famed
• noted
• notorious
• prominent
• renowned
• star
• visible
• well-known

Choose the Right Synonym for famous

famous, renowned, celebrated, noted, notorious, distinguished, eminent, illustrious mean known far and wide.

famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

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

a notorious gangster

distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

Examples of famous in a Sentence

a book about some of the most famous people of the last century

the review gushed that the restaurant offered some truly famous Southern-style cooking

Recent Examples on the Web

In Free Nelson Mandela [w/t], the man who was arguably the most famous political prisoner of all time will have his story told by Rogan Productions, the indie behind Stephen: The Murder that Changed a Nation and ABBA: Against All Odds, along with GroupM Motion Entertainment. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2024

Audrey: The most famous Audrey, Audrey Hepburn, was born at the tail end of the 1920s, on May 4, 1929. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 19 Dec. 2024

Leitz 1-2-Zero Sparkling Riesling: Made from grapes grown in the Rheingau region of Germany, which is of course famous for Riesling, this wine sparkles with brilliant German acidity, a vibrant aroma, and zippy green apple on the palate – all with the convenience of a can. —Jeanne O'Brien Coffey, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Sunday Lisbon is famous for its beautiful beaches, so what better way to close out the week than with an epic goodbye party at the Praia Princesa Beach Club? —Iman Hariri-Kia, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin famosus, from fama fame

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing famous

• world-famous

Kids Definition

famous

adjective

fa·​mous ˈfā-məs 

1

: much talked about : very well-known

famous explorer

2

: excellent

famous weather for a picnic