famous

adjective

ˈfā-məs How to pronounce famous (audio)
Definition of famousnext
1
as in famed
widely known a book about some of the most famous people of the last century

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excellent
of the very best kind the review gushed that the restaurant offered some truly famous Southern-style cooking

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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a famous battle
a historical battle
a famed battle
a prominent battle
a notable battle
a notorious battle
famous people
prominent people
noteworthy people
notable people
renowned people
a famous phrase
a classic phrase
a popular phrase
an iconic phrase
a memorable phrase
an immortal phrase
famous players
famed players
iconic players
notable players
illustrious players
legendary players

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of famous are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noted, notorious, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

When is it sensible to use celebrated instead of famous?

While in some cases nearly identical to famous, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When could distinguished be used to replace famous?

The words distinguished and famous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

Where would eminent be a reasonable alternative to famous?

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

the country's most eminent writers

When might illustrious be a better fit than famous?

While the synonyms illustrious and famous are close in meaning, illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

When would noted be a good substitute for famous?

Although the words noted and famous have much in common, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

How do notorious and famous relate to one another?

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

a notorious gangster

When is renowned a more appropriate choice than famous?

In some situations, the words renowned and famous are roughly equivalent. However, renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

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 famous But easily his most famous line came during the film’s end credits. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025 Big Bear is famous for its diverse terrain and powder, and the atmosphere here is decidedly ski town-y, with all the bro-ness and craft breweries that go along with it. —Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025 Karlovy Vary is famous for not being precious about its honorary awards; each year’s trailer features a previous winner trash-talking, misusing or even destroying the event’s distinctive Crystal Globe statuette. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 July 2025 The beloved cakes are best enjoyed alongside their famous fingernut cookies. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for famous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for famous
  1. famed
  2. excellent
  3. celebrated
  4. wonderful
  5. prominent
  6. beautiful
  7. renowned
  8. great
Adjective
  • For example, a criminal group known as Scattered Spider recently attacked famed British retailer Marks & Spencer, allegedly using solutions purchased on underground forums.
    — Damon Fleury, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The Accountant 2 star, 52, and the Deadpool & Wolverine actress watched the Boston Red Sox take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on July 11. NESN cameras caught the family sitting in the front row at the famed stadium.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of famed
Adjective
  • One of the best examples is her novel Made for Love, perhaps better known as an HBO show starring the excellent Cristin Milioti.
    — The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
  • Aloe vera is low-maintenance, making the houseplant an excellent option for beginner houseplant owners, who don’t have much time for excessive plant care.
    — Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2025
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Even the celebrated success stories carry hidden costs, especially to society.
    — Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • The celebrated animated paean to small-town Texas aired its final episode in 2009.
    — Ryan Coleman Updated, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of celebrated
Adjective
  • Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.
    — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • Brad Schmitt Hey there, new neighbors, and welcome back to our intro to Nashville and all the wonderful things the city has to offer you.
    — Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • The chief umpire’s role is a prominent one that involves communicating decisions live on TV and often fronting up afterwards to explain them.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • In March 2019, authorities arrested and charged more than 50 people, including coaches, test administrators, prominent CEOs, and the Hollywood stars.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Definition of prominent
Adjective
  • Nicky Hilton Rothschild poses with some beautiful flowers at the Net-a-Porter & Mr Porter Summer in the Hamptons Cocktail Party in Sagaponack, N.Y. on July 17.
    — Escher Walcott, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • So whether your interest involves creating beautiful spaces, improving people's health, or something completely different, there's no reason not to explore its business potential.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of beautiful
Adjective
  • Their rise from a grassroots studio to a globally renowned ARPG developer is nothing short of remarkable.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 25 July 2025
  • Bollea, who was 6 ft. 7 in. tall, appeared to dwarf Ferrigno, who was already renowned for his size.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 25 July 2025
Definition of renowned
Adjective
  • Dropping that grenade on the audience with so little time left to feel the impact does Jill little justice, but DeWitt does, in fairness, invest great pathos in her.
    — Andy Crump, Time, 20 July 2025
  • This is a great UFC fight card that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
    — Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
Definition of great

Browse Nearby Words

famishment
famous
famousness
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Cite this Entry

“Famous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/famous. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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