Definition of renownednext

renowned

2 of 2

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
Adjective
In April, a new record was set for the Indian art market when a painting by renowned Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma, created in the late nineteenth century, became the most expensive Indian artwork ever sold at auction. Noor Anand Chawla, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2026 Along the way, visitors at the massive space will get transported to the Sistine Chapel, see work from the renowned painter Norman Rockwell and incredible sights of Los Angeles. Paris Barraza, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The country of nearly 30 million is world-renowned as a hotspot for trekking and mountaineering, as well as a premier global destination for spiritual travel. Sam Meredith,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 HiMaxx currently operates several internationally renowned brands, including Cole Haan, Geox, Brooks Brothers, Reebok, Nautica and Spyder. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for renowned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renowned
Adjective
  • Emilia Clarke and Emma D’Arcy, famous for playing Targaryen baddies, presented an award at the ceremony.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026
  • To mark the beginning of the new football season, SI Swimsuit reshared photos Monday of NFL significant others who have posed for the famous swimwear issue, including Brittany Mahomes.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Starring Birbiglia, Keegan-Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs, Kate Micucci, Tami Sagher and Chris Gethard, that critically acclaimed SXSW dramedy released in 2016.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Many viewers praised the former child star as the beating heart of the series, and it was critically acclaimed.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The designer brought together an A-list crowd for his spectacle of a New York Fashion Week show at the famed Plaza Hotel in Midtown Manhattan Thursday afternoon.
    Anika Reed, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The hub, which opened in 2025, is housed in a 1940s home formerly owned by the famed Toso glassmaking family.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Nine individuals commended the Republicans on court for leading the charge to cut spending and decrease the burden on taxpayers.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The 28-year-old delivered a pair of stellar plays, both of which Macdonald commended him on.
    Andrew Destin, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Big names holding the pen Some celebrated playwrights are theater categories unto themselves.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Rising from an impoverished background to become a celebrated stage star in Romania, the actress and directing debutante has defied all odds to reach the starry heights of the Lido.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Clark also has complimented Reese as a competitor and teammate during the tournament.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Almost immediately, my friends complimented them and proceeded to each buy a pair themselves.
    Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Epstein investigation churns in Congress Black is the latest among several prominent figures, including former President Clinton and Bill Gates, who have been asked to appear as part of the Oversight Committee’s long-running probe of Epstein.
    Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • While the film festival has always drawn stars sporting designer style from various fashion houses and labels, the couture streak for the 2026 red carpet feels far more prominent than in years past.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • He also was applauded by many people for his actions on the sideline.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The group People Not Politicians Missouri, which sponsored the redistricting referendum, applauded the Supreme Court decisions that left the state court ruling in place.
    DAVID A. LIEB, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Renowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renowned. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster