RENOWNED Synonyms: 104 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

renowned 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈnau̇nd

Definition of renowned next

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

The internationally renowned comics follow the title character, a swashbuckling sea captain whose adventures take him around the world. —

Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 14 Jan. 2025 Alinea is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and has plans to expand concepts to new venues and bring tribute menus from renowned chefs. —

Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025 Those investors benefit from the services of some of the Caribbean’s most renowned designers and constructors of ultra-luxury properties. —

Panorama Media Ltd., Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025 Altadena, a diverse working-class community in Los Angeles County, is a far cry from the more renowned Pasadena, its neighbor directly north, and the nearby and more glitzy and wealthy Pacific Palisades neighborhood in LA. —

Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for renowned

Recent Examples of Synonyms for renowned

Adjective

Reality Bites Hollywood Squares The game show where contestants test their ability to gauge whether famous people are telling lies is back and in prime time.

— Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2025
Brunelle has been on the receiving end of these comparisons, as he was often likened to British actor Rowan Atkinson, famous for playing Mr. Bean.

— David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025