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Synonym Chooser

How is the word notorious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of notorious are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, famous, illustrious, noted, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.

a notorious gangster

When is celebrated a more appropriate choice than notorious?

The meanings of celebrated and notorious largely overlap; however, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When would distinguished be a good substitute for notorious?

The words distinguished and notorious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

In what contexts can eminent take the place of notorious?

In some situations, the words eminent and notorious are roughly equivalent. However, eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When could famous be used to replace notorious?

Although the words famous and notorious have much in common, famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

When can illustrious be used instead of notorious?

The synonyms illustrious and notorious are sometimes interchangeable, but illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

When is it sensible to use noted instead of notorious?

While the synonyms noted and notorious are close in meaning, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

When might renowned be a better fit than notorious?

The words renowned and notorious can be used in similar contexts, but 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 notorious Thibodeau, both with the Knicks and his previous teams, was notorious for riding his starters into the ground. Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025 Still, while generous in nature, Jupiter is notorious for its over-the-top gestures, inspiring commitments that are more ambitious than sustainable. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025 In another notorious incident, former referee Tim Donaghy was sentenced to jail for conspiring to fix games in a scandal that continues to cast a shadow over the NBA’s referee integrity. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025 Wahlberg showed his magic in a unique way, coming in with a preparedness that reflects his notorious work ethic. William Earl, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for notorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notorious
Adjective
  • Later, once the news is out, Murphy tells me that the role is complex, and that the season will probe the history of infamous women, including Aileen Wuornos and Hungarian noblewoman Elizabeth Báthory.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Those infamous words are the hallmarks of a corrupt state.
    David French, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Fazit Beauty — made famous when Swift wore the company's glitter freckles to a Chiefs game — has $15 showgirl looks.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In 2020, Markey easily won reelection over Joe Kennedy, who was finishing up eight years in the House and sports one of the two most famous names in American politics, along with the Bushes, in the Democratic primary.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But when a mysterious and powerful agent disrupts the negotiations, Brahim discovers the shady side of the business.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Remove a few overhead tree branches if your planting site is too shady.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 34th edition of HSDFF will kick off Friday, October 10 with a gala event and screening of Tom Winston’s Lost Wolves of Yellowstone, about the audacious plan to reintroduce wolves to the famed national park that spans parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Utah.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The indicator has also been referenced by famed investors including Paul Tudor Jones.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The 1983 crime classic follows determined, criminal-minded Cuban immigrant Tony Montana (Pacino), who becomes the biggest drug smuggler in Miami and is eventually undone by his own drug addiction.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2025
  • That panel included two former judges who had overseen international criminal tribunals, a former legal adviser to the British Foreign Office, and Amal Clooney, a British Lebanese human-rights lawyer and the wife of George Clooney.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The park in Hodgenville that honors the celebrated president's birthplace closed, according to the National Park Service's website, and Mammoth Cave was also affected by the shutdown.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to being one of the most celebrated figures in country music history — with more than 100 million records sold and 49 studio albums — Parton is widely recognized for her philanthropic contributions.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, a different vibe soon filled the arena once the countdown clock reached zero and a video charting Kirk's career from 18-year-old organizer to one of the GOP’s most prominent activists came on-screen.
    Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • In the wake of the assassination of prominent conservative figure Charlie Kirk, the rhetoric wars have taken to new levels of vitriol, with many on the right blaming the left writ large for such political violence, and vice versa.
    Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Gala Screenings The SCAD Savannah Film Festival is renowned for spotlighting major award contenders, screening a multitude of studio and streamer films prior to their wider release.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In the recent past, Louboutin has repeatedly included the world of dance in his presentation formats, spanning from more cabaret-style performances to edgier takes, like the one developed with renowned choreographer Sadeck Berrabah in 2023 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his iconic red soles.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Notorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notorious. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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