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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

Examples 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 Park City is famous for its skiing and big mountain views, but the town’s mountainkind philosophy—which prioritizes sustainability, community, and a deep respect for nature—also defines it. AFAR Media, 19 Dec. 2024 But Henry is not quite so famous as many of her colleagues—something that appears to have done little to deter her. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 18 Dec. 2024 Grande commented on the post, referencing the legendary comedian famous for his work in silent films during the 1920s. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024 Right Now Christmas with You Freddie Prinze Jr. returns to his rom-com roots in this holiday film about a single father/music teacher who crosses paths with a famous pop star (Aimee Garcia). Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for famous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for famous
Adjective
  • The Amazing Kreskin, the famed mentalist who appeared on The Tonight Show numerous times, has died at age 89.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Around them, the Franklin fire, fueled by fierce winds, ravaged the Santa Monica Mountains and forced thousands of people to evacuate from Malibu — the famed affluent coastal enclave that boasts picturesque beaches and celebrity homeowners.
    Corina Knoll, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • With its combination of skilled professionals, advanced technology, and affordability, Turkey—and Vera Clinic in particular—is an excellent choice for anyone seeking exceptional hair restoration results.
    William Jones, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • This example from Swiss Watch Expo is in excellent, near new condition with its full bracelet and original box.
    Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Some of Niagara’s most celebrated chefs will also be on hand to create small dishes for this spectacular event.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • But rather than Bowers & Wilkins simply providing more of the equipment necessary for the day-to-day operation of Abbey Road Studios, the pair have instead created a unique digital audio algorithm that intends to create the authentic sound of the world’s most famous and celebrated recording studio.
    Simon Lucas, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The residents of this wonderful city hold a special place in my heart.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Watch The Small One on Disney+ Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas This short holiday special catches up with the Ice Age characters at the most wonderful time of the year … well, in theory.
    Sydni Ellis, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • One such name was DeSantis, Trump’s former primary challenger and prominent conservative figure.
    Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Dec. 2024
  • The film, which is set in the 1800s, follows real estate salesman Thomas Hutter (Hoult), who must find a new home for prominent Transylvanian Count Orlok (Skarsgård).
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • My first, and yes, highly important, finding was that the bag is indeed beautiful (its appearance alone makes the Amtrak Northeast Regional feel a bit more Orient Express).
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Singing in Spanish, too, was really beautiful, because the words are so powerful.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Nearly two decades ago, the lodge partnered with renowned Vancouver chef David Hawksworth, whose restaurants, Hawksworth and Nightingale, are icons of the city’s culinary scene.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
  • In a recent TikTok shared to her official account, the renowned chef and restauranteur, 54, showed friends and fans alike a childhood favorite dish that’s making many do a double take.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Not only is this a more efficient approach for designers, but these systems also afford greater scalability since design changes can be implemented once and then updated throughout the entire platform.
    William Mullane, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Poor air quality from wildfires, vehicle exhaust, factories, and other sources takes a toll on lung health—but mounting research suggests that breathing unhealthy air can also put people at a greater risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near famous

Cite this Entry

“Famous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/famous. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on famous

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