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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of notorious are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, famous, illustrious, noted, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.

a notorious gangster

When is celebrated a more appropriate choice than notorious?

The meanings of celebrated and notorious largely overlap; however, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.

the most celebrated beauty of her day

When would distinguished be a good substitute for notorious?

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

a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize

In what contexts can eminent take the place of notorious?

In some situations, the words eminent and notorious are roughly equivalent. However, eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.

the country's most eminent writers

When could famous be used to replace notorious?

Although the words famous and notorious have much in common, 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 notorious?

The synonyms illustrious and notorious are sometimes interchangeable, but illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.

illustrious war heroes

When is it sensible to use noted instead of notorious?

While the synonyms noted and notorious are close in meaning, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.

the noted mystery writer

When might renowned be a better fit than notorious?

The words renowned and notorious can be used in similar contexts, but 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 notorious Park was also the first woman elected to lead South Korea and the daughter of notorious long-term dictator General Park Chung-hee. Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 The most notorious incident involved Bret Hart during WCW Starrcade 1999, where a mistimed superkick from Goldberg resulted in a severe concussion that ultimately contributed to Hart's premature retirement. Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025 The show is about a mission to bring down notorious Nazi Dr. Josef Mengele. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025 Tren de Aragua, the gang at the center of these accusations, was formed in the notorious Tocorón prison in Venezuela’s Aragua state and has since spread across the region, earning a reputation for ruthless violence. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for notorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notorious
Adjective
  • This bright and spicy scent was named after the infamous Rainbow Bar on LA’s Sunset Strip.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The future of Fyre Festival 2 continues to remain rocky, as Mexican government officials claim the second take of the infamous festival isn't happening, again.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • His famous label attached to his duffle coat [says] ‘Please look after this bear.’ ...
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s implied that before going into construction, Levon had brought his military training into civilian life in some shady (though likely heroic) capacity or another — maybe even kidnap recovery.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
  • During a recent conversation with legendary radio host Big Boy, the 26-year-old spoke about her haters and shady tension that led to this notion.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The latest New York news Image Online rage invades a famed retreat: The Chautauqua Institution, a 151-year-old intellectual center in upstate New York, has been rocked by online accusations of antisemitism and liberal bias, as well as dismay over cuts to its opera budget.
    James Barron, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The luxury footwear brand has partnered with one of the jewels in Rocco Forte Hotels’ crown, the famed Hotel de Russie in Rome, to develop the first Aquazzura Bar.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Immigrant advocates on Monday sued the Trump administration over a rule requiring immigrants to register with the federal government or face criminal prosecution.
    Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The security officers will not have authority to make arrests, conduct traffic stops or participate in criminal investigations, according to information shared with the Village Council.
    Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
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
Adjective
  • These events included small, private dinners with prominent celebrities in the entertainment industry.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Tesla was already struggling in recent months in connection with Musk’s prominent role in the administration.
    Julia Shapero, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Notorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notorious. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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