20 Ways to Say Famous

20 Ways to Say Famous (with Meanings & Examples)

If you describe everything as famous, your English works — but it doesn’t shine. Native speakers choose different words depending on why someone or something is famous: for talent, influence, quality, reputation, history, or even bad behaviour. Let’s look at 20 natural alternatives to “famous”, with clear meanings and practical examples.

Renowned

Meaning: Widely known and respected, often internationally.

• The gallery displays work by renowned artists from around the world.

Well-known

Meaning: Familiar to many people; neutral and very common.

• She’s well-known for her charity work.

Prominent

Meaning: Important and highly visible in a field or organisation.

• He played a prominent role in the scientific breakthrough.

Celebrated

Meaning: Publicly admired and praised for achievements.

• The celebrated actor received a lifetime achievement award.

Legendary

Meaning: Extremely famous, often admired or admired over time.

• The legendary coach changed the club’s history forever.

Distinguished

Meaning: Known for excellence, dignity, or long achievement.

• She is a distinguished professor with decades of experience.

Iconic

Meaning: Seen as a powerful symbol of a time, style, or culture.

• The building’s iconic design defines the city skyline.

Notable

Meaning: Worth attention because of importance or quality.

• He’s a notable figure in modern architecture.

Influential

Meaning: Having a strong effect on opinions or decisions.

• Her speech was influential in shaping public debate.

Esteemed

Meaning: Highly respected, often used in formal contexts.

• My esteemed colleague will lead the discussion.

Famed

Meaning: Well-known, often used in writing or storytelling.

• The town is famed for its historic old quarter.

Acclaimed

Meaning: Praised publicly, especially by critics.

• The novel was critically acclaimed upon release.

Notorious

Meaning: Famous for negative or controversial reasons.

• The area became notorious for corruption scandals.

High-profile

Meaning: Attracting strong public or media attention.

• The case involved several high-profile individuals.

Illustrious

Meaning: Very distinguished and admired, often historically.

• The university has an illustrious academic tradition.

Prestigious

Meaning: Respected and admired because of quality or exclusivity.

• She won a prestigious international award.

Noted

Meaning: Recognised for a particular feature or skill.

• The author is noted for complex storytelling.

Reputed

Meaning: Believed to have a certain quality based on reputation.

• He is reputed to be one of the best surgeons in the region.

Star-studded

Meaning: Involving many famous people.

• The film premiere was a star-studded event.

World-famous

Meaning: Known internationally, across many countries.

• The world-famous monument attracts millions of visitors each year.

Not all “famous” things are famous for the same reason.

Ask yourself:

• Is it respected? → renowned, esteemed
• Is it admired? → celebrated, acclaimed
• Is it controversial? → notorious
• Is it everywhere? → world-famous

Learn 20 ways to say “important” in English

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