famous

adjective

ˈfā-məs How to pronounce famous (audio)
Definition of famousnext
1
as in famed
widely known a book about some of the most famous people of the last century

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excellent
of the very best kind the review gushed that the restaurant offered some truly famous Southern-style cooking

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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a famous battle
a historical battle
a famed battle
a prominent battle
a notable battle
a notorious battle
famous people
prominent people
noteworthy people
notable people
renowned people
a famous phrase
a classic phrase
a popular phrase
an iconic phrase
a memorable phrase
an immortal phrase
famous players
famed players
iconic players
notable players
illustrious players
legendary players

Synonym Chooser

How is the word famous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of famous are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noted, notorious, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.

a famous actress

When is it sensible to use celebrated instead of famous?

While in some cases nearly identical to famous, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When could distinguished be used to replace famous?

The words distinguished and famous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

Where would eminent be a reasonable alternative to famous?

The synonyms eminent and famous are sometimes interchangeable, but eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When might illustrious be a better fit than famous?

While the synonyms illustrious and famous are close in meaning, illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

When would noted be a good substitute for famous?

Although the words noted and famous have much in common, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

How do notorious and famous relate to one another?

Notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.

a notorious gangster

When is renowned a more appropriate choice than famous?

In some situations, the words renowned and famous are roughly equivalent. However, renowned implies more glory and acclamation.

one of the most renowned figures in sports history

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 famous The island was turned into a state park in 1947, ensuring that its famous 10 miles of beaches can be enjoyed by all. — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025 Unlike Cheney, Simpson was famous for his humor. — Mead Gruver, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025 Apparently, the guy killed famous promoter and hot rod racer Mickey Thompson and his wife in California in 1988. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2025 Rare ‘Big 12’ Victories Aside from Vasco da Gama, the only side from Rio or São Paulo to win on opening day, only two more teams from Brazil’s famous big 12 registered three points. — Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for famous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for famous
  1. famed
  2. excellent
  3. celebrated
  4. wonderful
  5. prominent
  6. beautiful
  7. renowned
  8. great
Adjective
  • But when a team is coming off a World Series title, and that team happens to play just a few miles from the famed Hollywood sign, Opening Day is that much more grand.
    — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • In Key West, grab a cold one at the famed Sloppy Joe’s bar, see the famous five-toed cats at the Ernest Hemingway Home, dive into history at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, and watch the glorious sunsets at Mallory Square.
    — Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of famed
Adjective
  • Salah then surged forward towards the edge of the box before playing an excellent pass with the outside of his left boot.
    — Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • That is exactly what happened for Olivia Smith’s excellent opener as Marie Hobinger hit a defence-splitting pass in to Canada’s 20-year-old rising star.
    — Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • On Monday, April 7, Washington, 70, and Goldberg, 69, appeared at an event at the James Earl Jones Theatre — formerly known as the Cort Theatre — in Manhattan to pay tribute to Jones, the celebrated stage and screen actor who died at 93 in September 2024.
    — Tommy McArdle, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Set on a rhodium lapel pin, this piece merges industrial shine with organic form, a subtle nod to the celebrated flower of the Kentucky Derby.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of celebrated
Adjective
  • Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.
    — Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • Trump has signed several executive orders targeting prominent law firms with connections to his political opponents, including people who have investigated him and lawyers who have challenged his administration.
    — Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Even the normally undemonstrative Sarabia was prominent in the post-match as fans and players celebrated a job almost completed.
    — Steve Madeley, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of prominent
Adjective
  • This week's quiz highlights beautiful blooms, home-run histories, calendar coincidences — and more.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Both are at the rear of the home, have large windows that admit abundant natural light and give unfettered views of the beautiful yard.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of beautiful
Adjective
  • On Tuesday, April 8, past winners of the renowned golf tournament will gather for the Champions Dinner at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.
    — Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son attended the concert but did not return home, was among those anxiously waiting outside the club known for its traditional Monday parties where renowned national and international artists perform.
    — Danica Coto, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of renowned
Adjective
  • This assignment begins with secondary and higher educational institutions taking greater strides to enrich offerings civics instruction.
    — Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Temu and Shein have taken steps to grow their operations in the U.S. as the de minimis loophole has come under greater scrutiny.
    — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of great

Browse Nearby Words

famishment
famous
famousness
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Cite this Entry

“Famous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/famous. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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