Synonyms of renowned

renowned 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈnau̇nd 

as in famous

widely known

the renowned painter, sculptor, architect, and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci

Synonyms & Similar Words

• famous
• famed
• celebrated
• prominent
• notorious
• distinguished
• legendary
• infamous
• respected
• noted
• well-known
• visible
• illustrious
• notable
• star
• outstanding
• leading
• big-name
• prestigious
• remarkable
• important
• respectable
• eminent
• great
• fabled
• exceptional
• popular
• honorable
• noteworthy
• fabulous
• reputable
• superior
• recognized
• favorite
• formidable
• preferred
• acknowledged
• significant
• preeminent
• estimable
• redoubtable
• supereminent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unknown
• obscure
• unsung
• anonymous
• nameless
• insignificant
• unimportant
• unfamous
• uncelebrated
• inconspicuous
• undistinguished
• unpopular
• unexceptional

renowned

2 of 2

verb

past tense of renown

as in acclaimed

Related Words

• acclaimed
• commended
• complimented
• applauded
• hailed
• saluted
• idolized
• celebrated
• praised
• eulogized
• lauded
• extolled
• worshipped
• adored
• belauded
• deified
• cheered
• blessed
• exalted
• emblazoned
• cited
• chanted
• rhapsodized
• recommended
• resounded
• hymned
• magnified
• flattered
• glorified
• touted
• caroled
• cracked up

Dissimilar Words

• blamed
• criticized
• censured
• reprobated
• admonished
• reproved
• rebuked
• reprimanded
• reprehended
• reproached
• castigated
• lambasted
• chid
• keelhauled

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

Recent Examples of renowned

Adjective

But the ballerina, who was the first Black woman to serve as a principal dancer at the renowned American Ballet Theatre, took her final bow with the company in October 2025. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026

Kim Vō — a renowned hairstylist to Hollywood stars such as Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton and Gwyneth Paltrow — has died at the age of 55 after an eight-year battle with colon cancer. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Jan. 2026

Discover renowned art with free entry at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri, or the Saint Louis Art Museum. —Joie Probst, Midwest Living, 25 Jan. 2026

Having arrived with a renowned commercial background, Hopkinson is determined to strike fresh partnerships at more lucrative rates. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026