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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 But the famous Ozuna power disappeared as his average fell. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 It is also equipped with the watchmaker’s famous Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 July 2025 The Guadalupe River at Hunt reached its second-highest height on record, higher than the famous 1987 flood, the city said, citing the National Weather Service. July 4, CBS News, 4 July 2025 Harris confirmed the restaurant’s famous deck will offer a truncated menu — and no brunch service — but that visitors can still expect classics like calamari, burgers and Bloody Marys. Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for famous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for famous
Adjective
  • For the Wayland location, a 737-square-foot drive-thru building that includes Hot 'n Now’s famed red metal roof is being built and assembled at Konczak’s company, B Cubed Manufacturing, in Alpena.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 9 July 2025
  • It was brought back to life at the Château de Miraval in 2022 by Quintard in partnership with Brad Pitt, owner of the estate, which also produces a famed rosé wine.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Performance has also been excellent so far compared to peers and a benchmark index.
    Jesse Pound, CNBC, 11 July 2025
  • There is not a lot of room, but the midfielder is excellent at operating in tight spaces.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Those games were both received very well, and are among the most celebrated of indie puzzle games of all time.
    Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • Home bartenders can test recipes for lychee and peach jasmine tea spritzes that Forbes contributor Emily Cappiello sourced straight from some of the world's most celebrated waterfront hotels.
    Sarah Perez, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Colleagues, mentors and friends are wonderful sources of feedback.
    Kim Salem-Jackson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • These tender, buttery peas are wonderful in any number of dishes, but our new favorite just might be this black-eyed pea dip.
    Mary Claire Britton, Southern Living, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s why one of the race’s most prominent sponsorships—the official jersey provider—has been controversial among riders for decades.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 12 July 2025
  • The largest and most prominent piece in the exhibit, which runs through Oct. 19, is not by its main subject, 18th century artist George Romney.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Jinkx had a beautiful showing in a season where the queens all got to just show their best every week.
    EW.com, EW.com, 9 July 2025
  • The fourth and final season of Apple TV+’s Acapulco will be sizzling, as plot twists and beautiful scenery are revealed in the trailer above.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The second competition, your Proxima section, which is now in its fourth year, wants to provide a space for bold works by young filmmakers and renowned auteurs alike from around the globe.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
  • Long renowned for its verdant landscapes and historic temples, the Indonesian island of Bali draws droves of tourists each year to surf and sunbathe along its sandy shores—but in recent years, this influx of international visitors has caused serious strain on its local communities.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is a great NBA Summer League matchup; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • Santangelo is a member of the Giants broadcast team and a host on KNBR 680 AM and 104.5 FM in San Francisco, where every day is a great day to discuss baseball.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Famous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/famous. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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