notoriety

noun

no·​to·​ri·​e·​ty ˌnō-tə-ˈrī-ə-tē How to pronounce notoriety (audio)
plural notorieties
Synonyms of notoriety
1
: the quality or state of being notorious
… the city's notoriety for corrupt and incompetent government.—R. E. Merriam
2
: a notorious person
… the errors of notorieties and crowned heads …—James Joyce

Synonyms of notoriety

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Examples of notoriety in a Sentence

He achieved instant fame and notoriety with the release of his film. She gained notoriety when nude photographs of her appeared in a magazine. His comment about the President has given him a notoriety that he enjoys very much.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Huns sold a couple thousand copies of their only record and gained some notoriety. — Chris Placek, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026 In the essence of Taurus, an earthy zodiac that is known to do its due diligence to elevate its professional status, Marcus achieves greatness and notoriety as a pastry chef. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 Offensive linemen, particularly guards, don’t get the same notoriety as other positions. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026 Kamal gained notoriety among downtown residents for offering fresh shawarma and hummus inside Cosentino’s Market. — Jenna Thompson june 24, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for notoriety

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French notorieté, from Medieval Latin notorietat-, notorietas, from notorius

First Known Use

circa 1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of notoriety was circa 1650

Rhymes for notoriety

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Browse Nearby Words

Notorhynchus
notoriety
notorious
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Cite this Entry

“Notoriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/notoriety. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

notoriety

noun
no·​to·​ri·​ety
ˌnōt-ə-ˈrī-ət-ē
plural notorieties
: the quality or state of being notorious

More from Merriam-Webster on notoriety

Nglish: Translation of notoriety for Spanish Speakers

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