renowned 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈnau̇nd How to pronounce renowned (audio)
Definition of renownednext
as in famous
widely known the renowned painter, sculptor, architect, and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

renowned

2 of 2

verb

past tense of renown
as in acclaimed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Seema’s boss, however, isn’t looking to set Seema up with a guy, but rather with a renowned matchmaker named Sydney Cherkov. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 6 June 2025 And over the years, the brand has maintained a lifelong commitment to working with the city’s renowned goldsmiths. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 6 June 2025 Brian Newman, renowned trumpeter and bandleader for Lady Gaga's jazz projects, always wanted to be a musician. —Marina Watts, People.com, 6 June 2025 Jacques Pépin: The renowned chef and cookbook author shares stories from his life and kitchen. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for renowned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renowned
  1. famous
  2. famed
  3. commended
  4. celebrated
  5. complimented
  6. prominent
  7. applauded
  8. notorious
Adjective
  • The most famous example of the last phenomenon is MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, who was a congressman while Biden was still in the Senate.
    — W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
  • Among Neutra’s most famous works is the Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs, commissioned by the same family that hired Wright to design Fallingwater in Pennsylvania.
    — Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2025
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • The famed Michelin Red Guide is coming to Philadelphia, and inspectors are already scouting local restaurants to award the famed Michelin star.
    — Tulasi Srinivas, The Conversation, 3 June 2025
  • Sugar Mill Tucked into the mountainside that starts just meters from the sand, Half Moon's famed Sugar Mill is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the Caribbean.
    — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
Definition of famed
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
Definition of commended
Adjective
  • This year, fourteen of the world's best flamenco companies will perform on stages throughout Albuquerque for what is called the most celebrated flamenco festival outside of Spain.
    — John Burnett, NPR, 7 June 2025
  • Pacino’s The Ritual — which opened in theaters on Friday — has critics not raving, but ripping the celebrated actor’s exorcism film.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of celebrated
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
Definition of complimented
Adjective
  • His script may go over the top, and a generally adept cast (which also includes prominent parts for Sinbad, Rockmond Dunbar, Shalet Monique and others) copes variably with its excesses.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 June 2025
  • The two prominent Idaho families joined when Andrus’s youngest daughter, Kelly, married Church’s son Chase in 1989.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 6 June 2025
Definition of prominent
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
Definition of applauded
Adjective
  • He was taken to the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, before being transferred to a facility with better conditions in April.
    — Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 28 May 2025
  • Torrez, though, was also linked by DNA to the notorious stabbing deaths of 8-year-old Laura Hobbs and her friend 9-year-old Krystal Tobias in Zion on Mother’s Day in 2005.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Definition of notorious

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renowned
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Cite this Entry

“Renowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renowned. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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