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

Related Words

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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
Verb
The trailer teases appearances by exciting guests like Chrissy Teigen, chef José Andrés, style expert Tan France, and renowned chef Samin Nosrat. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Aug. 2025 Much like Sony’s renowned headphones, the C20s offer crisp, balanced sound. —Christopher Null, Wired News, 11 Aug. 2025 Lyles, however, is renowned for his strong finish, and hit back in the closing meters to take the victory in 19.63 seconds – the fastest time in the world this year and just 0.04 seconds ahead of Bednarek. —Coy Wire, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025 All the most renowned universities are teaching their students about crypto finance, blockchain tech or Web3 entrepreneurship. —Gracy Chen, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 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 pub dates back to the 1800s and is named after famous former area resident, the bridge and railway engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
    — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Comments poured in with fans praising the famous matriarch for her style and work ethic.
    — Angel Saunders, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • Take a dip in its famed canals and that fine increases to €350 ($410).
    — Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The speaker system—designed in part by Shepherd and Tom Smith, co-founder of the famed underground Cosmic Slop party in Leeds—was meant to reference the disco setups at New York’s Paradise Garage and sub-heavy sound systems of Jamaica.
    — Jeremy D. Larson, Pitchfork, 14 Aug. 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
  • Thanks to the longevity of her career, Carey makes history with her latest champion and breaks a record previously held by another one of the most celebrated female performers of the last several decades.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • For one of the most celebrated movies of all time, another redemption arc is on the horizon.
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 15 Aug. 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
  • So far, the World Games 2025 is the most prominent global appearance for this hip hop dance form since the Paris Olympics in August 2024, at least in a sporting context.
    — Jason Pu, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Sawfish look prehistoric and are named for their most prominent feature: their long, flat rostrum, with spiky scales that look like teeth.
    — Jack Prator, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 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
  • The only problem was that Brian failed to mention the addition of a sixth band member to his father, Murry, a notorious tyrant who served as the group’s manager.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The French are notorious for mixing modern and retro pieces with traditional antiques.
    — Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 2025.

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