famous synonyms

famous

modif.

renowned, celebrated, well-known, noted, notorious, distinguished, eminent, illustrious, famed, foremost, preeminent, acclaimed, conspicuous, far-famed, prominent, honored, reputable, recognized, notable, important, of note, of mark, prestigious, name, exalted, remarkable, extraordinary, great, brilliant, splendid, august, grand, applauded, universally recognized, popular, peerless, imposing, towering, legendary, storied, influential, leading, noteworthy, talked of, outstanding, memorable, in the limelight, in the spotlight, in the public eye, big-name*, on everyone's lips*.

Antonyms unknown*, obscure*, humble.

famous is applied to persons or things that have received wide public attention and are generally known and talked about; renowned suggests fame or honor achieved through some outstanding quality or accomplishment; celebrated is applied to persons or things that have received much public honor or praise; noted implies a being brought to the wide notice of the public for some particular quality; notorious, in current usage, suggests a being widely but unfavorably known or talked about; distinguished implies a being noted as superior in its class or of its kind; eminent more strongly stresses the conspicuous superiority of persons or things; illustrious suggests a reputation based on brilliance of achievement or splendidness of character

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.