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Definition of renowned
renowned
/rɪˈnaʊnd/
re · nowned
renowned Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
8
Tier
2
Usage
Top 5k
Syllables
2
renowned Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• adjective
1
Widely known, talked about, and held in high esteem for notable achievements or admirable qualities.
Example
"The university is renowned around the world for its pioneering research in renewable energy."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for renowned Antonyms
View all antonyms for renownedWord Nuance & Usage
"Renowned" is frequently misspelled and mispronounced as "reknowned" by false association with "known." Unlike "famous" (which is neutral) or "notorious" (which implies ill repute), "renowned" strictly carries positive connotations of high distinction and honorable achievement.
• Rhymes for renowned
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English from the noun "renown," which entered English via Anglo-French from the Old French verb renomer ("to make famous"), ultimately derived from Latin re- ("again") and nominare ("to name").
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Renowned. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/renowned