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
• worshiped
• idolized
• celebrated
• praised
• eulogized
• lauded
• extolled
• worshipped
• adored
• belauded
• deified
• cheered
• blessed
• exalted
• blest
• emblazoned
• cited
• chanted
• rhapsodized
• recommended
• resounded
• carolled
• hymned
• magnified
• flattered
• glorified
• touted
• caroled
• cracked up

Dissimilar Words

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

Verb

Gordon Murray, the renowned Formula 1 designer, created the car based on his engineering achievements in the sport. —Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025

At the age of 26, Tosi helped implement architect Bruce Goff’s vision for the Sam and Ruth Van Sickle Ford House, one of the most renowned homes in Aurora to this day. —Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025

It is renowned for its unique breathtaking natural beauty, characterized by dramatic granite formations shaped by glaciation. —Tina Chen, Mercury News, 22 July 2025

The 17th-century Dutch painter, who was only somewhat successful in his lifetime, has since become internationally renowned for his delicate domestic scenes. —Ella Feldman, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 July 2025