FAMOUS Synonyms: 12 Synonyms for FAMOUS in English

Last updated on December 9, 2024 by Isabella Claire

When learning English, you might hear the word “famous” a lot. It’s a simple and common word that means someone or something is well-known and recognized by many people. But did you know there are many other words that can mean the same thing? These are called synonyms.

Knowing synonyms for “famous” can help you express yourself in different ways and make your English more colorful and interesting. In this article, we’ll explore some useful synonyms for “famous,” explain their meanings, and show you how to use them in sentences. Let’s get started and make your English even better!

Famous Synonyms

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Famous Synonyms – Created by 7ESL

What Is “Famous”?

The term “famous” refers to someone or something that is widely known and recognized by many people, often due to achievements, skills, or notable characteristics.

List of Synonyms for Famous

  • Well-known
  • Renowned
  • Celebrated
  • Distinguished
  • Eminent
  • Prominent
  • Legendary
  • Iconic
  • Notable
  • Prestigious
  • Popular
  • Illustrious
  • Acclaimed
  • Respected
  • Glorified
  • Honored
  • Revered
  • Esteemed
  • Recognized
  • Infamous* (Note: Often used negatively, meaning famous for bad reasons)

Types of Synonyms for Famous

Synonyms for “famous” can be categorized based on their connotation or the context in which they are used. Here’s a breakdown:

Positive Synonyms

These imply admiration, respect, or accomplishment:

  • Renowned
  • Celebrated
  • Distinguished
  • Eminent
  • Illustrious
  • Revered
  • Esteemed
  • Acclaimed
  • Prestigious
  • Honored

Neutral Synonyms

These simply indicate being widely known, without an implied value judgment:

  • Well-known
  • Recognized
  • Notable
  • Prominent
  • Popular
  • Iconic

Negative Synonyms

These indicate being famous for controversial, notorious, or negative reasons:

  • Infamous
  • Notorious
  • Disreputable
  • Scandalous
  • Ill-famed

Common Synonyms for Famous

Well-known

  • Example: He’s well-known in the local community.

Notable

  • Example: The town is notable for its ancient harbour.

Remarkable

  • Example: She was a truly remarkable woman.

Renowned

  • Example: It is renowned as one of the region’s best restaurants.

Fabled

  • Example: For the first week he never actually saw the fabled Jame.

The one and only

  • Example: Here he is, the one and only Van Morrison!

Prominent

  • Example: She was prominent in the fashion industry.

Celebrated

  • Example: He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.

Acclaimed

  • Example: She has published six highly acclaimed novels.

Legendary

  • Example: His political skill is legendary.

Illustrious

  • Example: The composer was one of many illustrious visitors to the town.

Eminent

  • Example: He is eminent both as a sculptor and as a portrait painter.

Synonyms for Famous in Different Contexts

General Popularity

Synonyms:

  • Well-known: Known by many people.
    Example: “She is a well-known author in the literary world.”
  • Popular: Liked or admired by many people.
    Example: “Pizza is a popular food choice worldwide.”
  • Recognized: Officially accepted or widely identified.
    Example: “He is recognized for his contributions to the community.”
  • Prominent: Important or easily noticeable.
    Example: “The company is prominent in the tech industry.”

Historical or Intellectual Achievements

Synonyms:

  • Renowned: Widely acclaimed and highly respected.
    Example: “Einstein is renowned for his theory of relativity.”
  • Distinguished: Successful, authoritative, and commanding great respect.
    Example: “She had a distinguished career as a scientist.”
  • Eminent: Famous and respected within a particular sphere.
    Example: “He is an eminent historian.”
  • Illustrious: Well-known, admired for past achievements.
    Example: “The book describes the illustrious history of the ancient city.”

Artistic or Cultural Significance

Synonyms:

  • Celebrated: Publicly praised and admired.
    Example: “Shakespeare is a celebrated playwright.”
  • Iconic: Widely recognized and well-established, often representing an era or culture.
    Example: “The Mona Lisa is an iconic piece of art.”
  • Legendary: Remarkable enough to be famous; also associated with legends.
    Example: “The musician is legendary for his contributions to jazz.”
  • Acclaimed: Praised enthusiastically and publicly.
    Example: “The movie received critically acclaimed reviews.”

Infamy or Negative Fame

Synonyms:

  • Infamous: Famous for something bad or morally wrong.
    Example: “The criminal became infamous for his daring escape.”
  • Notorious: Widely and unfavorably known.
    Example: “This area is notorious for pickpocketing.”
  • Disreputable: Having a bad reputation.
    Example: “The businessman was involved in disreputable activities.”
  • Scandalous: Shocking or improper, drawing widespread attention.
    Example: “The celebrity’s scandalous behavior made headlines.”

Absolute and Near Synonyms of Famous

Absolute Synonyms of Famous

These synonyms are interchangeable with “famous” in most situations.

Well-known

  • Meaning: Known or recognized by many people.
  • Example: “She is a well-known artist in her community.”

Renowned

  • Meaning: Widely known and highly respected for achievements.
  • Example: “He is renowned for his medical research.”

Celebrated

  • Meaning: Publicly praised and admired.
  • Example: “The celebrated chef hosted a cooking masterclass.”

Prominent

  • Meaning: Widely recognized and important.
  • Example: “He played a prominent role in the negotiations.”

Eminent

  • Meaning: Respected and famous in a particular field.
  • Example: “The conference featured several eminent scientists.”

Near Synonyms of Famous

These words are similar to “famous” but carry additional connotations or work better in specific contexts.

Legendary

  • Meaning: Famous, often due to extraordinary or mythical qualities.
  • Example: “The legendary guitarist inspired generations of musicians.”
  • Note: Often used for long-lasting fame or in storytelling contexts.

Iconic

  • Meaning: Widely recognized and symbolic of a particular era, culture, or quality.
  • Example: “The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark.”
  • Note: Implies cultural or symbolic significance.

Popular

  • Meaning: Liked or admired by many people.
  • Example: “She’s a popular singer among teenagers.”
  • Note: Refers more to appeal and likability.

Illustrious

  • Meaning: Famous for achievements, often with a sense of grandeur or brilliance.
  • Example: “The illustrious leader was honored for his vision.”
  • Note: Implies a shining reputation or historical importance.

Acclaimed

  • Meaning: Praised by critics or the public, often in arts or literature.
  • Example: “The novel was highly acclaimed by critics.”
  • Note: Suggests public or critical praise.

Notable

  • Meaning: Worthy of attention or well-known.
  • Example: “He is notable for his contributions to environmental activism.”
  • Note: Less intense than “famous” and often used in formal contexts.

Prestigious

  • Meaning: Highly respected and admired.
  • Example: “Winning the award brought her prestigious recognition.”
  • Note: Focuses on respect and status rather than widespread recognition.

Infamous

  • Meaning: Famous for something bad or negative.
  • Example: “The hacker became infamous for his cyberattacks.”
  • Note: Specifically refers to negative notoriety.

Distinguished

  • Meaning: Recognized for excellence and accomplishments.
  • Example: “The distinguished professor received a lifetime achievement award.”
  • Note: Implies respect and dignity.
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