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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 The Reichstag building served as the home of the German government through the end of the Imperial and Weimar Republic periods, that is, until the notorious Reichstag fire on February 27, 1933. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 Sep. 2025 Authorities in New Hampshire have identified the last unknown victim in a notorious cold case that has captivated investigators for nearly four decades. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 One of California’s most notorious killers is back in the spotlight as a new documentary revisits his crimes and uncovers even darker secrets. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Channing Tatum plays Manchester, who became notorious in the late 1990s for his unique method of robbing mostly McDonald's and other fast food franchises via their rooftops. Esther Zuckerman, Time, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for notorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notorious
Adjective
  • Rival organizations to the Missouri group include the infamous biker group Hell’s Angels, along with the Outlaws, El forastero, Galloping Goose, Sons of Silence and Bandidos biker groups.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Rasheed was mostly raised by a single mother who struggled financially, in San Diego’s Skyline neighborhood, infamous for being a hotbed of gang activity.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One such diamond-dripping famous face was Zoë Kravitz, elevating the LBD Kravitz-style.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Walk Flex-relish Slip-ins These slip-on shoes are from the brand’s famous Go Walk collection, which many would argue is one of the most comfortable sneaker collections on the planet.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Another reason is that most EVs don’t use wires in their steering column so they can’t be hotwired and some have cameras and motion detection that deter shady people that get too close to the vehicle.
    Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Leaving it longer, especially in shady areas, helps the grass develop a stronger root system.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The look, a bold statement by itself, rang a significantly big and beautiful moment after the famed designer Giorgio Armani passed just a week before the event.
    Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • But a group of famed chefs, some of whom boast their own line of cookware, is hoping to block the new legislation.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Britain's biggest anti-immigrant political party, Reform UK, which has topped opinion polls in recent months, has kept its distance from Robinson, who has several criminal convictions.
    Vitalii Yalahuzian, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • At least 25 people were arrested in offenses including violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage, and the investigation continues, police said.
    BRIAN MELLEY, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Published earlier this year by Riverhead Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, Audition is described as a twisty thriller that follows a celebrated actress enjoying a charmed, bohemian life in Manhattan with her creative husband.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
  • As for the appearance of a celebrated Beatle, that moment also had roots in the past.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Kirk, a prominent voice in culture wars on college campuses, hosts a daily radio show and podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, which ranks among the top 10 on Apple News’ list of top podcasts and has a strong Gen Z fan base.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • On Tuesday night, the Nepali army deployed troops to restore order after prominent government buildings were set on fire, politicians were attacked and violent clashes erupted between protesters and government forces.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The kitchen turns out dishes influenced by a range of traditions, and with the recent addition of the renowned chef Byron Rubio, the menu is reaching new heights of creativity and refinement.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • That play is not part of Wilson’s renowned Century Cycle, a collection of 10 plays set in Wilson’s hometown of Pittsburgh that aim to evoke the Black experience across every decade of the 20th century.
    Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Notorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notorious. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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