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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
Adjective
The pieces are fit for daily wear, combining practical, utilitarian design with the quality craftsmanship for which LV is renowned. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2025 This year’s edition brings together a mix of renowned filmmakers and fresh voices across the Co-Production Market, Work-in-Progress Lab and Viewing Room, reaffirming the Bazaar’s position as South Asia’s most vital platform for global collaboration. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025 Charles acquired Highgrove in 1980 as a private retreat in the Gloucestershire countryside and transformed its gardens into a renowned destination today. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025 It was built at Meneely Foundry in West Troy, New York, the renowned company that built the replacement for the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and bells that rang at the funerals of Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and John Kennedy, according to an article in the Poway News Chieftain. Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for renowned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renowned
Adjective
  • In 2006, researchers at Newcastle University found, in a study that became famous, that people were more likely to put money in an honesty box to pay for their coffee or tea when photographs of eyes were posted above the box.
    L. Carol Ritchie, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
  • In fact, some famous fathers have doubled that average age, becoming dads past the age of 65.
    Sari Hitchins, Parents, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Over the last five decades, artist and filmmaker Lynn Hershman Leeson has been internationally acclaimed for her art and films.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Prey remains the most critically acclaimed in the alien series at 94%.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Pedro had planned to spend October 19, the day of the Louvre heist, at the famed museum with his mother and grandfather.
    Caroline Baum, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Sanders, 70, is one of several local bluesmen who have performed for decades in the famed Black nightclub in the sleepy town of Indianola.
    USA Today, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • While having tea with Wiggins, Charles commended Chatfield’s treatment and recovery rate.
    StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Nikola Jurkovic, a member of technical staff at the influential METR AI research center, commended the paper’s contributions.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 6 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
Verb
  • Khloé’s front door featured a bright array of orange pumpkins, red and orange fall leaves, a couple of eyeballs and a few skeleton, which complimented the large garland of pumpkins and leaves surrounding her fireplace inside.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025
  • In July, a car-service driver complimented Vonn on an episode.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 27 Oct. 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
Verb
  • Participants at the panel applauded the program but said a few adjustments would give major studios more confidence in utilizing it.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
  • One reviewer applauded its multipurpose design and used it as a serving tray for hors d'oeuvres and to display their electric candles.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Renowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renowned. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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