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 Jones said the boy's family is well-known in the neighborhood and described them as friendly people. — Anna McAllister, CBS News, 13 July 2026 Downtown’s troubles are well-known; what exactly to do about them is still being decided. — Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 Herman Peterson, mentioned in the newspaper caption, was well-known and respected in the community for his involvement with the Boy Scouts, the historical society and many other organizations, according to Anselmo. — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 Taylor Swift’s affection for the University of Kansas is well-known. — Kansas City Star, 3 July 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
  • That sequence would be remembered as one of the more famous, hilarious stretches in recent golf history, maybe even the core memory of Spieth’s ever-entertaining prime.
    — Brody Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Rather than occupying both the Roosevelt’s famous poolside cabanas and the hotel’s upper floor suites, next year, the Felix will restrict its offerings to the two-story cabanas, fostering a more personal and consolidated experience.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 14 July 2026
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • The Five Star Weekend follows Jennifer Garner as Hollis Shaw, a famed cook and best-selling author known for her delicious recipes, impeccable taste, and warm demeanor, who suffers a devastating loss.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 17 July 2026
  • Cunningham himself would make the famed sprint across the track to start the race, taking the first stint behind the wheel.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 17 July 2026
Definition of famed
Adjective
  • Beth Bourne, one of the most prominent anti-transgender activists in California, is running for the Davis Joint Unified School District Board of Education.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
  • One of North Carolina’s most prominent transitional housing programs for women, the Center for Community Transitions in Charlotte, has just 30 beds.
    — Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Definition of prominent
Adjective
  • The Boss even appears on one non-genre-specific list for the first time in his storied career with one of his most celebrated tunes.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Then there’s another celebrated and long-established London acting institution, RADA.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 July 2026
Definition of celebrated
Adjective
  • Pattinson’s role as The Odyssey’s villain marks his second project with the renowned director.
    — Emma Urdangen, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
  • But that hasn’t stopped one of the country’s increasingly renowned grape-growing regions from punching well above its weight.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 July 2026
Definition of renowned
Adjective
  • The bay is notorious for its strong currents, and within hours of the boat’s sinking, rescuers were also searching the open ocean beyond the Golden Gate Bridge.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
  • His first stint in a Moscow jail, Shtilerman told me, resulted from his involvement in one of Russia’s most notorious financial schemes.
    — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 17 July 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of well-known for Spanish Speakers

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