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renowned

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verb

past tense of renown

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of renowned are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, famous, illustrious, noted, and notorious. While all these words mean "known far and wide," renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

In what contexts can celebrated take the place of renowned?

In some situations, the words celebrated and renowned are roughly equivalent. However, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When might distinguished be a better fit than renowned?

While the synonyms distinguished and renowned are close in meaning, distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

When is it sensible to use eminent instead of renowned?

The synonyms eminent and renowned are sometimes interchangeable, but eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When is famous a more appropriate choice than renowned?

The words famous and renowned are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 renowned?

Although the words illustrious and renowned have much in common, illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

When would noted be a good substitute for renowned?

While in some cases nearly identical to renowned, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

How do notorious and famous relate to one another, in the sense of renowned?

Notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.

a notorious gangster

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 renowned
Verb
Your photos are renowned for their vibrancy without being overly saturated. Liam Freeman, Vogue, 29 July 2025 The study's most notable author is Avi Loeb, an astronomer at Harvard University who is renowned for linking extraterrestrial objects to intelligent aliens. Harry Baker, Space.com, 29 July 2025 In addition to serving traditional English mutton chops, Keens is renowned for its extraordinary clay pipe collection. Michael Solomon, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 Bollea, who was 6 ft. 7 in. tall, appeared to dwarf Ferrigno, who was already renowned for his size. Chad De Guzman, Time, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for renowned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renowned
Adjective
  • Comments poured in with fans praising the famous matriarch for her style and work ethic.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The pub dates back to the 1800s and is named after famous former area resident, the bridge and railway engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • For years George Webb customers have seen the famed prediction of a 12 game winning streak for the local baseball team triggering a free burger for customers.
    Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The speaker system—designed in part by Shepherd and Tom Smith, co-founder of the famed underground Cosmic Slop party in Leeds—was meant to reference the disco setups at New York’s Paradise Garage and sub-heavy sound systems of Jamaica.
    Jeremy D. Larson, Pitchfork, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • After reminding me of this quote, Grantham commended Prince, kind of.
    John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Many social media comments, meanwhile, commended Baldoni's promotional message for viewers to always have hope.
    Emma Bowman, NPR, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Though a feature film about Mangione is not yet in the works, several documentaries were announced soon after his arrest, including one from celebrated documentarian Alex Gibney.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Recognized as the most influential week in Latin music, the event — taking place Oct. 20 to 24 at Fillmore Miami Beach — will once again host panels, marquee conversations, roundtables, networking and activations, in addition to its celebrated Billboard En Vivo showcases.
    Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Others complimented the easy assembly and sturdy structure.
    Madison Yauger, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Hawaii Honolulu City Lights is a month-long event within this city, and it is complimented by holiday trees and other decorations and special night themes.
    Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • So far, the World Games 2025 is the most prominent global appearance for this hip hop dance form since the Paris Olympics in August 2024, at least in a sporting context.
    Jason Pu, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Sawfish look prehistoric and are named for their most prominent feature: their long, flat rostrum, with spiky scales that look like teeth.
    Jack Prator, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Also; regardless if the Rockies are good or bad; shouldn’t they be applauded for bringing up prospects early and not pausing for a future control that might be meaningless?
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The banking industry has applauded Republican lawmakers for reversing the cap on overdraft fees.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The House members, Reps. Adriano Espaillat, Nydia Velazquez and Daniel Goldman, showed up at the notorious Sunset Park federal jail Wednesday morning, but were blocked at the door, then were briefly trapped between the iron gate in front of the jail and its entrance doors.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The notorious escort service eventually saw Fleiss arrested and convicted for tax evasion and implicated several Hollywood stars and politicians.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Renowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renowned. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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