renowned 1 of 2

Definition of renownednext

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

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
Adjective
Lowen was hired as a ghost writer for renowned author Verity Crawford (Hathaway), who is married to Jeremy. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026 And the first refreshed Khy collection is almost a ‘greatest hits’ of Jenner’s renowned style. Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026 Venice’s renowned La Fenice opera house is breaking ties with contentious incoming music director Beatrice Venezi, who has ties to Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, following months of protests by musicians. ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 Plus, Teva’s renowned durability makes these shoes a worthwhile purchase for many wet ’n’ wild adventures to come. Lara Kramer, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for renowned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for renowned
Adjective
  • The most famous shredder of all time is Eddie Van Halen.
    Mary Norris, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • This remote coastline in western Australia is a stark contrast to the country's more famous beaches, such as Bondi Beach, but is just as beautiful.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • His latest work, The Hills of California, was critically acclaimed on Broadway and in the West End.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Today, the album is still regarded as one of the most influential and critically acclaimed projects of the 21st century, often cited for redefining the visual album format and reshaping modern pop and R&B storytelling.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In Oakville, a portion of the famed To Kalon Vineyard was planted with Sauvignon Blanc in 1945, and more than 75 percent of those original vines remain productive today.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Similar Kind from Norwalk played the famed Bowery Ballroom venue in New York City earlier this month.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Hunt commended the crews involved for their teamwork.
    Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Walker commended Polis for his emphasis on mitigation and for preventing claims or reducing their severity.
    Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The menu is an homage to the most celebrated Peruvian dishes, with big platters of ceviche and tiradito, saltados and rice with chicken, beef and seafood.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • David Vanacore was the most celebrated composer of the evening, picking up the Golden Note Award for his entire career, but also getting the annual kudos that have regularly become his due on top of the lifetime achievement honor.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Pitching coach Gus Rico was having dinner on Thursday when head coach Matt Mowry of Birmingham High complimented him on closer Aidan Martinez recording all seven of his outs on strikeouts.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Adam Shankman, the director of Hairspray the musical, complimented my performance in the Rusical.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Most importantly, playing prominent roles alongside a respected veteran and thoughtful mentor in Zibanejad really seemed to propel the young wingers, who finished the season by combining for 43 points (24 for Lafrenière and 19 for Perreault) in the final 23 games.
    Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Collagen loss accelerates, cell turnover slows, and deep wrinkles become more prominent.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Was any draft decision of this team’s past quarter-century applauded more than Tua Tagovailoa over Justin Herbert?
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The audience laughed and applauded.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Renowned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/renowned. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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