well-known

adjective

ˈwel-ˈnōn How to pronounce well-known (audio)
Synonyms of well-knownnext
: fully or widely known

Synonyms of well-known

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Examples of well-known in a Sentence

an anchorwoman so well-known that she passes for a local celebrity
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Cavan Sullivan has become well-known, but alongside the (future) Manchester City winger lie three more exciting options. — David Hickey, NBC news, 14 July 2026 Kate Spade is well-known for its whimsical handbags, often featuring fun shapes depicting slices of pizza, gorgeous flowers, delicious fruits, and other playful motifs. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026 Drew Afualo has become well-known for roasting misogynists online. — Shannon Carlin, Time, 14 July 2026 The concept of spy satellites recording images and sucking up communications signals is well-known. — Gerry Doyle, Fortune, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-known

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of well-known was in the 15th century

Rhymes for well-known

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Browse Nearby Words

well-knit
well-known
well-liked
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Cite this Entry

“Well-known.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-known. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

well-known

adjective
ˈwel-ˈnōn
: known by many people

More from Merriam-Webster on well-known

Nglish: Translation of well-known for Spanish Speakers

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