renowned 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈnau̇nd How to pronounce renowned (audio)
Definition of renownednext
as in famous
widely known the renowned painter, sculptor, architect, and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

renowned

2 of 2

verb

past tense of renown
as in acclaimed

Related Words

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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

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 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 See All Example Sentences for renowned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renowned
  1. famous
  2. famed
  3. commended
  4. celebrated
  5. complimented
  6. prominent
  7. applauded
  8. notorious
Adjective
  • One hurdle Doggett thinks could get in the way of progress in Austin is its most famous billionaire, Elon Musk.
    — Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Some are old and rare, some are big-screen famous and others are just, well, unusual.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 July 2025
Definition of famous
Adjective
  • Pantera Xfinity Theatre, 61 Savitt Way, Hartford The famed metal band Pantera, who has been rocking since 1981, is at Xfinity Theatre on Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. $54.50-$792.40.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Mark Ruffalo is in talks to reprise his famed Marvel role of Incredible Hulk in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, sources confirm.
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of famed
Verb
  • After reminding me of this quote, Grantham commended Prince, kind of.
    — John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Many social media comments, meanwhile, commended Baldoni's promotional message for viewers to always have hope.
    — Emma Bowman, NPR, 22 Dec. 2024
Definition of commended
Adjective
  • Even the celebrated success stories carry hidden costs, especially to society.
    — Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • The celebrated animated paean to small-town Texas aired its final episode in 2009.
    — Ryan Coleman Updated, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of celebrated
Verb
  • Others complimented the easy assembly and sturdy structure.
    — Madison Yauger, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Hawaii Honolulu City Lights is a month-long event within this city, and it is complimented by holiday trees and other decorations and special night themes.
    — Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Definition of complimented
Adjective
  • In between the prominent stars of the Summer Triangle (above) and the stinger of Scorpius (below) is Ophiuchus.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Estonia is widely considered a prominent tech hub in Europe.
    — Ryan Browne, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Definition of prominent
Verb
  • Also; regardless if the Rockies are good or bad; shouldn’t they be applauded for bringing up prospects early and not pausing for a future control that might be meaningless?
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Dirk Nowitzki, in attendance, applauded him.
    — Zach Harper, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of applauded
Adjective
  • This being the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's landmark shark horror film, much of the convention was devoted to celebrating Jaws' milestone — for better or for worse — in the representation of the notorious marine mammals.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 14 July 2025
  • Pilgrimages to battlefields, ancient ruins, or notorious prisons have existed for centuries.
    — Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Definition of notorious

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renowned
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Cite this Entry

“Renowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renowned. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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