Synonyms of famous

famous

adjective

ˈfā-məs 

1

as in famed

widely known

a book about some of the most famous people of the last century

Synonyms & Similar Words

• famed
• celebrated
• prominent
• renowned
• notorious
• infamous
• legendary
• distinguished
• respected
• well-known
• visible
• noted
• illustrious
• star
• notable
• outstanding
• remarkable
• big-name
• important
• prestigious
• popular
• leading
• great
• fabled
• honorable
• respectable
• noteworthy
• fabulous
• eminent
• exceptional
• favorite
• reputable
• recognized
• superior
• formidable
• significant
• preferred
• preeminent
• acknowledged
• estimable
• redoubtable
• supereminent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unknown
• obscure
• anonymous
• unsung
• nameless
• unimportant
• insignificant
• unfamous
• inconspicuous
• uncelebrated
• unpopular
• undistinguished
• unexceptional

2

as in excellent

of the very best kind

the review gushed that the restaurant offered some truly famous Southern-style cooking

Synonyms & Similar Words

• excellent
• wonderful
• beautiful
• great
• awesome
• lovely
• fabulous
• superb
• terrific
• fantastic
• marvelous
• prime
• stellar
• classic
• fine
• hot
• splendid
• heavenly
• cool
• sensational
• quality
• neat
• brave
• high-class
• top
• exceptional
• divine
• superlative
• superior
• first-class
• noble
• top-notch
• first-rate
• grand
• immense
• nifty
• good
• slick
• cracking
• choice
• dandy
• keen
• par excellence
• groovy
• topping
• unsurpassed
• fab
• banner
• top-shelf
• too much
• radical
• prize
• sterling
• dynamite
• blue-chip
• blue-ribbon
• boss
• peachy
• capital
• fantabulous
• topflight
• righteous
• first-string
• mean
• frontline
• crackerjack
• swell
• peachy keen
• out of this world
• special
• number one
• dope
• top-of-the-line
• gone
• decent
• wizard
• A1
• out-of-sight
• bully
• primo
• prizewinning
• supernal
• classical
• bumper
• traditional
• better
• hype
• brag
• five-star
• tip-top
• down
• jim-dandy
• bonny
• four-star
• numero uno
• acceptable
• boffo
• corking
• gangbusters
• gilt-edged
• bang-up
• adequate
• A-OK
• fancy
• satisfactory
• all right
• phat
• premium
• OK
• tolerable
• passable
• high-grade
• standard
• select
• high-test
• superfine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• poor
• terrible
• awful
• lousy
• pathetic
• vile
• wretched
• atrocious
• rotten
• bad
• inferior
• unsatisfactory
• execrable
• substandard
• low-grade
• mediocre
• second-class
• middling
• second-rate

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

Recent Examples of famous

In the vibrant New York of the late 80s, Jimmy George, a famous underground artist, is experiencing a decisive moment in his life in which, despite everything, beauty and love are still possible. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

There’s a new face at Big Bear’s famous bald eagle nest in Southern California, and viewers are already invested. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Although Luckey missed the application window for the famous Thiel Fellowship, his prototype still caught the attention of PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel, who invested in Oculus through his venture firm, Founders Fund. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026

Assateague Island is one of Maryland's treasures and is famous for the wild horses who call it home. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026