1
2

Try This Instead

For
Try This
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 Palm Springs, a trendy hotspot for the rich and famous in the middle of California’s Coachella Valley, is about 110 miles east of Los Angeles. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025 Stone, 36, was greeted by a surprise guest, with a serious sting, at the famous film festival on Friday. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025 Doug Flutie played here two years before his famous Hail Mary. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025 Another trip to Wembley Stadium this weekend, this time to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, will be City’s 29th cup game under the famous arch since 2011, a rate of almost two per season. Thom Harris, New York Times, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for famous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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
  • Yet by Holly Jackson A famed Y.A. author’s first foray into adult fiction centers on Jet Mason, the wayward daughter of a wealthy Vermont family.
    Laura Thompson, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • During informational interviews, asking for ideas of great places to keep an eye on is an excellent way to add to your list.
    Rebecca Fraser-Thill, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Give your wooden nickel to the mixologist, take your pick between La Babia, an excellent margarita, or Three Emmas, grab a book off the shelf, and take a seat.
    Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • His celebrated landscape series, such as The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō and One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, capture a lyrical relationship between people and place, expressed through subtle colour, elegant composition, and a deep sensitivity to the rhythms of nature and travel.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • Germany has had a taste, too, with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) recently acquiring its celebrated chemicals company Covestro for nearly €15 billion.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • And now more people can experience this wonderful adventure on Netflix starting May 15, 2025.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Colombia’s coastal cities are famous for their cuisine, but don’t overlook their wonderful street foods.
    Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Heat, precipitation or not, the golf world is ecstatic to have landed in one of the nation’s most prominent sports cities for its second PGA championship in eight years.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
  • The gym makes its most prominent return in the universe's seventh installment, the beginning of the Creed franchise.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • That's why the new savings account for children included in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill , with a one-time deposit of $1,000 from the federal government, is truly beautiful to the investment community.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • The grounds are beautiful, the setting is tranquil, and the ceremonies held here every Memorial Day are filled with heartfelt patriotism.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • This masterpiece is the brainchild of Enrique Fonseca, a renowned distiller and master blender.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Chalamet, a native of the city, is a renowned fan of the blue and orange and notably stayed home to watch the first game of the series while Jenner flew solo at the Met Gala.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The future of Hollywood depends on whether the industry recognizes that its greatest asset isn’t its distribution technology but its storytellers.
    JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025
  • Personal Collections Display cabinets are a great spot to showcase a personal collection.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Famous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/famous. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on famous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!