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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 Now, there are around 3,800 trees spread throughout D.C. monuments and landmarks, with the most famous areas being the National Mall and Tidal Basin. Ashlea Halpern, AFAR Media, 6 Mar. 2025 So Far Baldoni claimed that during a meeting at Lively’s Tribeca penthouse to discuss a scene rewrite, a famous celebrity — later revealed to be Swift — happened to stop by and advocated for Lively’s writing. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025 Maslany plays the titular lawyer, Jennifer Walters, cousin to the more famous Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo). Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025 In 1881, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche purchased a Malling-Hansen Writing Ball, becoming the product's most famous user. Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for famous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for famous
Adjective
  • George Morrison, a former instructor at the famed Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, took Hackman under his wing and schooled him in the Method technique, teaching him to draw from personal experiences in his acting.
    Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025
  • In a statement released in December last year, Popovich expressed his desire to return to coaching while showcasing his famed wry sense of humor.
    David Close, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • More Deebo Samuel news: 49ers Send Star WR Deebo Samuel to Commanders in Blockbuster Trade Samuel will take his talents to the nation's capital and look to take the Commanders to the next level after an excellent year for the young Washington team.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Alabama got 24 points from Mark Sears and had excellent defensive stretches but couldn’t finish.
    Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The project soon attached Ed Harris to play James, a celebrated actor but failed property magnate.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025
  • But, naturally, the celebrated actor didn’t stay in the classic lane.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • So actually, the story can be looked at as a celebration of the fact that your disability can just be one wonderful part of you.
    Esme Mazzeo, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
  • And if your neighborhood doesn’t, start one! Start a Book or Card Club There’s so many wonderful books out there just waiting to be discussed.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Other prominent craftspeople have received an impressive amount of noms without a win.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Zelensky arrived at the White House wearing a black sweater with two buttons that featured the Ukrainian trident—a prominent element of the nation's flag and a symbol of power and authority—in addition to black cargo pants and boots.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Vanderbilt University's sprawling 340-acre campus ranks among the most beautiful college footprints in the country, according to a new review from Condé Nast Traveler.
    Adam Tamburin, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The moment of Matt seeing Elektra outlined in the rain with his special senses is nothing short of beautiful.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star renowned for its Belle Époque grandeur, welcomed VIP Summit guests to a hospitality oasis in the lavish Prince Rainier III Suite filled with Louis XIII pours, small bites and exquisite city views.
    Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Under this new deal, the Iranian-Dutch singer-songwriter’s upcoming music will be released through Create’s renowned indie label, Broke, co-founded by Andre Benz and Brandon De Oliveira.
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • By Nellie Bowles March 31, 2020 Get Outside and Safely Visit a National Park Now is the time to start looking ahead, to spring and summer excursions in the great outdoors.
    Aatish Bhatia, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Although Seattle’s skill talent has been great, Smith has never played behind even an average offensive line, and his last two offensive coordinators weren’t good enough to keep their jobs.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Famous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/famous. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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