well-known

adjective

ˈwel-ˈnōn How to pronounce well-known (audio)
Definition of well-knownnext
as in famous
widely known an anchorwoman so well-known that she passes for a local celebrity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 well-known Fanjul was well-known in Palm Beach society circles and also for his extensive philanthropic work. — Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 In little surprise, Denver re-signed Humphrey on a one-year deal in March, a 6-foot-4 receiver who’s become well-known as one of Payton’s favorites. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026 Many of them are so talented and so well-known in their own right now. — Ana Calderone, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 Sephora’s loyalty program (becoming a Beauty Insider iscompletely free) is one of the most well-known of its kind because of its membership perks. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-known
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-known
  1. famous
  2. famed
  3. prominent
  4. celebrated
  5. renowned
  6. notorious
Adjective
  • The photographer followed her midday meal with a sky-high afternoon tea at Searcys at The Gherkin, which sits beneath a towering glass dome that caps London’s most famous architectural landmarks.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The festival’s legendary Burnt Ends section is famous for programming exciting new filmmakers working with low budgets and unconventional stories.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • Below, see photos of Magic, Cookie Johnson and their family as the NBA legend and famed businessman celebrates his 67th birthday today.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In a feature published Tuesday, reporter Alex Marshall reveals the many behind-the-scenes negotiations that brought the famed Romanesque-style textile artwork depicting the 1066 Norman invasion back home to the UK.
    — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of famed
Adjective
  • Hidemasa Morita, the 31-year-old Japan midfielder signed from Lisbon’s Sporting CP, is struggling to build fitness in pre-season but is expected to be a prominent figure in a holding role.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Since his primary win, Lahn has met with party leaders and Iowa's prominent industry groups.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of prominent
Adjective
  • Geer was a celebrated theater actor who had been active in Communist Party circles since the 1930s.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Growing up, Wald came to know Goodall not simply as the celebrated primatologist the rest of the world knew, but as a family friend and godmother.
    — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of celebrated
Adjective
  • Much of the home is outfitted with original fixtures and an array of bespoke touches that the renowned architect handcrafted for his family residence.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Built by renowned architect Roger Scott on a deep lot, the property leans more toward forest cabin than tract house.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of renowned
Adjective
  • While renowned for its red brick buildings and lush green lawns, UCLA’s campus is also notorious for its steep hills.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • In the now-notorious moment, Rock, 61, made a joke directed at Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s buzzed haircut.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of notorious

Browse Nearby Words

welling (up)
well-known
well-meaning
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Cite this Entry

“Well-known.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-known. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of well-known for Spanish Speakers

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