renowned 1 of 2

renowned

2 of 2

verb

past tense of renown

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

Examples 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
Adjective
Top ranked by prominent travel publications and cruise aficionados, Seabourn is acclaimed for its luxe yacht-like atmosphere and renowned personalized service. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024 The imagery was captured by renowned Dutch fine art photographer, Philippe Vogelenzang. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 31 Oct. 2024 One of the world’s most renowned contemporary designers, Frenchman Hervé van der Straeten, is getting the royal treatment at the Ralph Pucci Gallery in Manhattan, with an opening Tuesday night. David Moin, WWD, 28 Oct. 2024 Moomin Characters will also collaborate with renowned fashion retailers and designers to launch collections bringing Moomin gifts and lifestyle products to new audiences in the United States and worldwide throughout the anniversary year. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for renowned 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renowned
Adjective
  • That same soil is what lends poblano chiles—traditionally from Puebla—the peppery flavor that characterizes the most famous local dish, chiles en nogada, says Zach Rabinor, founder of the luxury travel outfit Journey Mexico.
    Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Rocio Fabbro takes a look at what the world’s most famous investor might do with all that cash.
    Peter Green, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Fowlerville Community Theater drew direct parallels between the play — adapted from the famed diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl killed by Nazis in the Holocaust — and the events of Saturday night.
    David K. Li, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • And a new poll from famed Iowa pollster Ann Selzer published by the Des Moines Register showed her ahead of Trump by three points in Iowa, a Trump-friendly state.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In the comments, users commended the pilot for his selfless act.
    Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 3 Oct. 2024
  • Deputy Chief Nancy Sanford, with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, commended people from every agency who took part in the operation.
    Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • By way of background, Nvidia is the largest, most celebrated of the Magnificent Seven, and has a market capitalization just shy of $4 trillion?
    Joel Shulman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • One of the world’s most celebrated wine regions, Napa Valley is brimming with the passion and artistry of winemaking, set against a stunning backdrop.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Related Articles There are some minor and barely noticeable physical improvements over previous models, such as a slightly less prominent camera bump in the back.
    Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Marcus was a prominent financial supporter of Republican candidates and causes for more than 40 years.
    Taylor Giorno, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Lawyers representing the plaintiffs applauded the judge's decision.
    Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Bingham, with Harrison alongside, congratulated rodeo winners, applauded rope tricks and native dances, and posed for photos.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Bill undergoes a moral crisis when his path crosses with a wretched head nun (Emily Watson) at a convent that’s part of the notorious Magdalene Laundries — a place of severe abuse of women.
    Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Watch on Hulu The Dropout Amanda Seyfried won a much deserved Outstanding Lead Actress Emmy for her portrayal of the notorious Stanford dropout turned health care technology maven Elizabeth Holmes, who tricked some of the world’s savviest business minds into investing in her company, Theranos.
    Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Of the 135 people apprehended, 13 hailed from Turkey and one from China, authorities said.
    Louis Casiano, Fox News, 5 Oct. 2024
  • His release was hailed by supporters, but in August 2022 the Maryland Supreme Court ruled that the conviction should be reinstated because of procedural errors in the conviction being set aside.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN, 4 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near renowned

Cite this Entry

“Renowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renowned. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on renowned

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!