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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 Just don’t forget to grab lots of napkins—Fat Paulie’s sandwiches are notorious for being incredibly juicy. Cat Sposato, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025 Now, in his late-middle age, a much more flexible Linklater is ruminating on other notorious artists. David Sims, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025 Elizabeth Berkley rose to fame playing the uptight Jessie Spano on Saved by the Bell (1989–1993), then shattered her squeaky clean image with a revealing turn in Paul Verhoeven's notorious Showgirls (1995). Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025 The Pillowcase Rapist was one of the most notorious serial rapists in Florida history. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for notorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notorious
Adjective
  • Valetta donned the iconic deep neckline tropical print gown that Jennifer Lopez helped make infamous at the 2000 Grammys (and helped spark the inception of Google Images).
    Anika Reed, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The infamous episode usually involved dramatic transformations that sometimes ended in tears.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Queen of All Hallows' Eve — who not only throws an all-out shindig for her famous friends but also notoriously goes for broke with her costumes, too — spent all day posting hints about this year's look ahead of the big reveal.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Nov. 2025
  • In 2019, the Burtka-Harris family channeled famous artists for their looks.
    Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • An ambitious provocation, the book calls for a single-party system of government that ostensibly gives power back to the people (even if it’s been published by a shady corporation with its own interests in mind).
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Kue Lawrence delivers a chilling performance for the ages as Samuel Miller, a seventh-grade student recruited by a shady mentor (Michael Sean Tighe) to compete in the bloody contests.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Over two decades in the making, the $1 billion museum -- set close to the famed Pyramids of Giza, just outside the capital Cairo -- is touted by officials as the world's largest museum dedicated to a single civilization.
    Ayat Al-Tawy, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist and son of famed zookeeper and television personality Steve Irwin further elaborated just why Russell's constructive criticism means so much.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Since attacks like SessionReaper can expose your personal data to criminal marketplaces, consider using a reputable data removal service that continuously scans and deletes your private information, such as your address, phone number and email, from data broker sites.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025
  • In a case involving 19 criminal counts, Farzam was convicted of five misdemeanors in 2003.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Thanksgiving, one of America’s most celebrated holidays, is known for its nostalgic flavors, like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
    Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
  • That shouldn't come as much of a surprise, though, given that the drama's co-creator is Taylor Sheridan, the celebrated writer and producer known for shows such as Yellowstone, its prequels 1883 and 1923, and Mayor of Kingstown.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The team settled for adding TE Josh Whyle and defensive lineman Arron Mosby from the practice squad to the active roster, but Green Bay is apparently in on one prominent free-agent defensive back as well.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Several prominent business leaders have already voiced cautious optimism, seeing in Mamdani a chance to reset the relationship between City Hall and commerce.
    Sally Susman, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • From her stainless-steel demonstration kitchen, Agnes was able to broadcast episodes of the renowned Betty Crocker Cooking School of the Air locally in Valley Center.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Turks and Caicos is renowned for its crystal-clear waters diving, and with that in mind, reef health remains top of mind for all of the destination’s resorts.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Notorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notorious. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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