WELL-KNOWN Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

well-known

adjective

ˈwel-ˈnōn

Definition of well-known

as in famous

widely known an anchorwoman so well-known that she passes for a local celebrity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Pan, who teaches public health at UC Davis, served in the California Legislature for 10 years and became well-known for pushing bills to crack down on school vaccine requirements. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026 Now that Posen is all grown up, his role leading some of America’s most beloved and well-known fashion brands comes with a sense of duty. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026 His reputation is so strong and his advice so well-known that some memes on the forum ironically joke about doing the opposite, with a picture of Buffett suggesting that everyone freak out and sell in a panic. — Josh Funk, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026 Patterson, most well-known for his role as Luke Danes in Gilmore Girls, has spent most of his life in diners, surrounded by homemade comfort foods like burgers, pancakes, and fries. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-known

Recent Examples of Synonyms for well-known

Adjective

Sip one on the rocks during apéro while the sun sets, or have one with lunch or dinner on the deck or inside if the area’s famous mistral winds are blowin’ up your spot.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Far more famous conflicts had a bond element, even a central one, Wigglesworth found.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of famous

Adjective

Kate Middleton has become famed for her ability to mix high-end and affordable brands—as well as her ability to effortlessly swap between elevated red carpet looks and surprisingly relaxed ensembles.

— Meg Walters, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026
The site near the Spanish border draws millions of pilgrims annually, including sick and disabled believers hoping for a cure from the famed spring water in the Lourdes grotto.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of famed

Adjective

As a prominent application of artificial intelligence, AI agents are widely seen as transitioning from experimental concepts to large-scale deployment this year.

— , CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
Relaxed and straight fits remain prominent in collections, but Jamie Haller and LaQuan Smith made a strong case for flare silhouettes, and 7 For All Mankind brought back the low-rise capri jean in a big way.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of prominent

Adjective

The two immediately sense a spark but Haru’s grief stands in the way, not to mention that Fedir has an equally stunning wife, Mila (Keren Louis), herself a celebrated dancer.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
The Beast in Me now joins a celebrated cohort of series with this same sneaky nonsense buried in their glowing track records, including Downton Abbey, Big Little Lies, and The White Lotus.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of celebrated

Adjective

Its existence was recorded in a renowned engraving by Paulus Pontius, designed by Peter Paul Rubens and bearing an inscription noting that the portrait was based on a work by Vélazquez.

— News Desk, Artforum, 24 Sep. 2026
Have dinner at Wildes at the Lodge, named for William Wilde, a renowned surgeon who owned a home in the area—and who happened to be the father of a writer named Oscar.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of renowned

Adjective

The former executive was jailed at the notorious Riker’s Island jail complex in New York at the time of the interview.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Researching religious-art theft, Gurrea came across Erik the Belgian, a notorious thief who targeted churches across Spain during the 20th century.

— Callum McLennan, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of notorious

Browse Nearby Words

welling (up)

well-known

well-meaning

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“Well-known.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well-known. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of well-known

adjective

Example Sentences

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