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View synonyms for famous

famous

[ fey-muhs ]

adjective

  1. having a widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature; renowned; celebrated:

    a famous writer.

    Synonyms: illustrious, notable, famed

    Antonyms: obscure, unknown

  2. Informal. first-rate; excellent:

    The singer gave a famous performance.

  3. unfavorably known; notorious:

    In my family, my uncle is famous for his bad jokes.



famous

/ ˈfeɪməs /

adjective

  1. known to or recognized by many people; renowned
  2. informal.
    excellent; splendid
  3. archaic.
    of ill repute


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Derived Forms

  • ˈfamousness, noun

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Other Words From

  • famous·ly adverb
  • famous·ness noun
  • over·famous adjective
  • pre·famous adjective
  • pre·famous·ly adverb
  • pseudo·famous adjective
  • pseudo·famous·ly adverb
  • quasi-famous adjective
  • quasi-famous·ly adverb
  • un·famous adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of famous1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin fāmōsus; fame, -ous

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Word History and Origins

Origin of famous1

C14: from Latin fāmōsus ; see fame

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Synonym Study

Famous, celebrated, eminent, distinguished refer to someone or something widely and favorably known. Famous is the general word: a famous lighthouse. Celebrated originally referred to something commemorated, but now usually refers to someone or something widely known for conspicuous merit, services, etc.: a celebrated writer. Eminent implies high standing among one's contemporaries, especially in one's own profession or craft: an eminent physician. Distinguished adds to eminent the idea of honors conferred more or less publicly: a distinguished scientist.

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Example Sentences

As anybody who has seen his now famous rant on Parks and Recreation knows, Patton Oswalt can get a little obsessed.

The film has one of the most famous violent sequences of all time.

Still, I wish that DuVernay had given us more about those who are less famous besides a scene where they all eat dinner together.

But the authority of his name far exceeds that of our own, famous or obscure though we be.

One of the most famous directors of this era was Shin Sang-ok (신상옥).

About this time the famous Philippine painter, Juan Luna (vide p. 195), was released after six monthsʼ imprisonment as a suspect.

It was at this parliament that the famous acts against horse racing and deceitful gaming were passed.

Sir Cadge was about the same age as the famous beauty, and rose quite two inches above her lofty head.

After her marriage to Eugène Manet she came under the influence of his famous brother, Édouard.

He plays beautifully, and was trained in the famous Brussels conservatory, of which Dupont is the head.

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