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
The theater is absolutely unique, in addition to beautiful enough, to become renowned well beyond the borders of Charlotte. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2025 Modeling all over the world for over 30 years, and for such globally renowned brands as CoverGirl and Sports Illustrated, Sims is also very well versed in travel tips—like how to pack efficiently and how to arrive feeling rejuvenated after a flight. —Elycia Rubin, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2025 The Dagger family arrived fresh-faced from Scotland to explore many of Northern California’s globally renowned landmarks. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2025 This masterpiece is the brainchild of Enrique Fonseca, a renowned distiller and master blender. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 14 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
  • For the last 26 years, the world’s most famous arena has been hollow in June.
    — James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • Thousands of workers at Boston's famed Fenway Park — the historic home of the Red Sox — might go on strike for the first time ever for higher pay, the UNITE HERE Local 26 union announced earlier this month.
    — Margie Cullen, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The Bristol Bears loose-head prop earned his first selection for the famed British and Irish Lions team.
    — Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 22 May 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
  • Perhaps not coincidentally, Chloe has grown up to be a celebrated journalist and activist, while Nikki is a recovering addict whose son has been raised by Chloe.
    — Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 26 May 2025
  • The celebrated rapper, wearing a black leather jacket over a white T-shirt, drew a crowd of spectators in the rain outside the courthouse.
    — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 22 May 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
  • This news dovetails with previous events, such as Trump welcoming the prominent antisemites Nick Fuentes and Kanye West to his home for dinner.
    — Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
  • The cooked agave notes are more prominent on the palate, accompanied by citrus and tropical fruits, a touch of anise/licorice, and a mild pepperiness.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 May 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
  • Escape from ‘The Rock’ On June 11, 1962, three prisoners escaped from the notorious Alcatraz prison, a former US military base located on a small island off the coast of San Francisco.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 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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Cite this Entry

“Renowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renowned. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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