NOTORIOUS Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

notorious

adjective

nō-ˈtȯr-ē-əs

Definition of notorious

as in infamous

not respectable a notorious mastermind of terrorist activities

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in famous

widely known a book signing for a notorious author of tell-all celebrity biographies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Years later Simon confirmed that Beatty, a notorious Casanova, inspired one verse. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026 The 1995 Chicago heat wave is the most notorious and deadly of the city's hot spells, and in fact the deadliest weather event in the city's history. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Taken to an orphanage run by the notorious Georgia Tann, the siblings are separated for adoption–for profit–into wealthy families. — Literary Hub, 1 July 2026 Certain organizations, like the Baltimore Orioles, are notorious for never having enough arms, which can lead to grumbling from teams that do, like the Tampa Bay Rays. — Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for notorious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for notorious

Adjective

This four-to-five-hour World War I experience, based on the infamous Gallipoli campaign, spent a couple of months as a PC exclusive (and gardnered a bunch of Very Positive feedback).

— Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
In 1986 Maradona’s infamous uncalled handball/goal for Argentina beat England in the World Cup quarterfinals.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Definition of infamous

Adjective

That sequence would be remembered as one of the more famous, hilarious stretches in recent golf history, maybe even the core memory of Spieth’s ever-entertaining prime.

— Brody Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Rather than occupying both the Roosevelt’s famous poolside cabanas and the hotel’s upper floor suites, next year, the Felix will restrict its offerings to the two-story cabanas, fostering a more personal and consolidated experience.

— News Desk, Artforum, 14 July 2026

Definition of famous

Adjective

Debbie, named after Coates’ mother, feels betrayed by Judith and her husband, who is involved in shady dealings with an Albanian gang.

— Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
But the story about the war hero Odysseus, whose journey home with his men is beset by sea storms, shipwrecks, gods, monsters and shady ladies, set the template for literature, comic books, science fiction and Hollywood epics for centuries to come.

— Jim Beckerman, USA Today, 16 July 2026

Definition of shady

Adjective

The Five Star Weekend follows Jennifer Garner as Hollis Shaw, a famed cook and best-selling author known for her delicious recipes, impeccable taste, and warm demeanor, who suffers a devastating loss.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 17 July 2026
Cunningham himself would make the famed sprint across the track to start the race, taking the first stint behind the wheel.

— Howard Walker, Robb Report, 17 July 2026

Definition of famed

Adjective

As part of her release conditions, she has been ordered to stay away from her 13-year-old daughter while the criminal case proceeds.

— Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 14 July 2026
In some regions, a single medical examiner may oversee hundreds of deaths each year, leading to bottlenecks that can slow criminal cases, complicate insurance claims, and leave families waiting months and sometimes years for answers.

— Gregory McDonald, STAT, 13 July 2026

Definition of criminal

Adjective

The Côtes de Provence is one of the world's most celebrated wine regions, producing around 90% of its output in rosé.

— Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Jackson once again claims more R&B hits in America than any other artist, and one of his most celebrated singles even manages to hit a new peak decades after its release.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of celebrated

Adjective

Beth Bourne, one of the most prominent anti-transgender activists in California, is running for the Davis Joint Unified School District Board of Education.

— Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
One of North Carolina’s most prominent transitional housing programs for women, the Center for Community Transitions in Charlotte, has just 30 beds.

— Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Definition of prominent

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notoriety

notorious

not to mention

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Style

“Notorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notorious. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of notorious

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