well-known

adjective

ˈwel-ˈnōn 

: fully or widely known

Synonyms of well-known

• famous
• famed
• prominent
• celebrated
• renowned
• notorious

Examples of well-known in a Sentence

an anchorwoman so well-known that she passes for a local celebrity

Recent Examples on the Web

One of Parton’s most beloved and well-known songs, the 1973 hit has been covered by hundreds of artists over the years, from Miley Cyrus to The White Stripes. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Chesney’s reputation is well-known, having posted a winning record in all but one of his 16 seasons. — Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

While well-known for a number of onscreen roles, including Wadsworth in Clue, Curry is most associated with playing the mad, seductive scientist in the 1975 Rocky Horror film. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

The interaction was unusual even with a federal administration with a well-known, escalated immigration enforcement agenda. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for well-known

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

Kids Definition

well-known

adjective

ˈwel-ˈnōn

: known by many people