famous
Known by many
Famous describes someone or something widely known and talked about: a famous actor, a famous battle, a famous recipe.
Fame usually implies positive recognition, though famous last words refers ironically to confident statements proven wrong.
The word can intensify: We had a famous time.
To be famous for something is to be particularly associated with it: France is famous for its wine.
Widely known and esteemed
- celebratedWidely known and praised
- eminentHigh in rank, respected
- distinguishedNotable and respected
- illustriousWidely admired for achievements
esteemed · respected · prominent · well-known · noted · preeminent · acclaimed · decorated
Luminous astronomical object
- superstarExceptionally famous performer
- idolObject of worship
- VIPNotable, for short
- megastarExceptionally famous entertainer
big-name · headliner · personality · entertainer · newsmaker · A-lister · stardom · glamour
Of ancient lore
- storiedCelebrated in legend
- fabledCelebrated in folklore
- epicImpressively grand in scope
- heroicExceptionally brave and noble
immortalized · larger-than-life · timeless · unforgettable · enshrined · pantheon · glorified · revered
Imaginative planner of futures
- pioneerEarly explorer or settler
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- innovatorCreator of new methods
- thought-leaderRespected authority others emulate
trendsetter · luminary · authority · mastermind · genius · leader · champion · icon
Notable point of reference
- legendaryFamous beyond ordinary measure
- classicOf lasting excellence
- timelessUnaffected by eras
- monumentalExceptionally large or significant
seminal · definitive · emblematic · quintessential · signature · hallmark · pioneering · historic
High regard, moral dignity
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
- eminenceElevated rank or renown
- acclaimEnthusiastic public approval
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
esteem · reputation · stature · renown · glory · accolade · prestige · status
Morally offensive or shocking
- disgracedBrought into shame
- controversialCausing public dispute
- sensationalArousing intense excitement
- polarizingCausing sharp division
vilified · maligned · mud-slinging · scandal-ridden · blacklisted · shamed · exposed · outed
renowned
Widely known and esteemed
- celebratedWidely known and praised
- eminentHigh in rank, respected
- distinguishedNotable and respected
illustrious · esteemed · respected · prominent · well-known · noted · preeminent · acclaimed · decorated · honored
star
Luminous astronomical object
megastar · big-name · headliner · personality · entertainer · newsmaker · A-lister · stardom · glamour · paparazzi
mythic
Of ancient lore
heroic · immortalized · larger-than-life · timeless · unforgettable · enshrined · pantheon · glorified · revered · deified
visionary
Imaginative planner of futures
- pioneerEarly explorer or settler
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- innovatorCreator of new methods
thought-leader · trendsetter · luminary · authority · mastermind · genius · leader · champion · icon · figurehead
landmark
Notable point of reference
monumental · seminal · definitive · emblematic · quintessential · signature · hallmark · pioneering · historic · unforgettable
honor
High regard, moral dignity
- distinctionNotable difference or honor
- eminenceElevated rank or renown
- acclaimEnthusiastic public approval
recognition · esteem · reputation · stature · renown · glory · accolade · prestige · status · standing
scandalous
Morally offensive or shocking
- disgracedBrought into shame
- controversialCausing public dispute
- sensationalArousing intense excitement
polarizing · vilified · maligned · mud-slinging · scandal-ridden · blacklisted · shamed · exposed · outed
- famecelebrity, renown, well-known, stardom, renowned
- Popularitypopular, trending, viral, hit, buzz
- reputationreputation, reputable, bad reputation, repute, disreputable
- travel adjectivesscenic, exotic, adventurous, luxurious, remote
- celebrity labelsiconic, legendary, A-list, B-list, superstar
- establishedestablished, recognized, accepted, acknowledged, confirmed
famousunknown
Not yet discovered
obscure · anonymous · nameless · unheard-of · unrecognized
famousforgotten
No longer recalled
unremarkable · insignificant · undistinguished · unimportant · unnotable
- famous last wordsStatement events soon contradict
- famous peopleWidely recognized public figures
- Almost FamousJust below widespread recognition
- famous quotesWidely recognized attributed statements
- famous linesWidely known spoken passages
- famous paintings