famous
20 synonyms and 3 antonyms for famous, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Known widely by many people.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use famous
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin famosus, from fama, "fame, reputation" — the same root as "fame."
Full origin of famous →Frequently asked questions
What does “famous” mean?
The word “famous” means known widely by many people. In plain terms, well known, usually in a positive sense.
How do you pronounce “famous”?
“Famous” is pronounced FAY-muhs (/ˈfeɪ.məs/ in IPA).
How do you use “famous” in a sentence?
Here is “famous” used in a sentence: “She became famous after her debut novel topped the bestseller list.”
What is another word for “famous”?
Words with a similar meaning to “famous” include bait, fabled, famed, famoused, iconic and irrecondite.
What is the opposite of “famous”?
The opposite of “famous” — its antonyms — are normal, unfamous and unknown.
What part of speech is “famous”?
“Famous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “famous” come from?
The word “famous” comes from Latin. From Latin famosus, from fama, "fame, reputation" — the same root as "fame.".
Is “famous” a common word?
“Famous” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'famous' and 'infamous'?
Both mean widely known, but the reason differs. 'Famous' is neutral or positive, describing someone celebrated for talent or achievement. 'Infamous' is negative, describing someone well known for something bad, like a crime or scandal. So a beloved actor is famous, while a notorious outlaw is infamous.
Is 'famous' a positive word?
Usually yes, since it suggests being widely admired or celebrated, which most people take as a compliment. It can be neutral too, simply meaning many people know of someone or something. Only its opposite, 'infamous', carries a clearly negative sense of being known for the wrong reasons.
What is the difference between 'famous' and 'well-known'?
The two are close, but 'famous' suggests a wider and stronger reputation, often nationwide or global. 'Well-known' is more modest and can be local or within a particular field; a chef well known in one city may not be famous everywhere. Fame is essentially well-known taken to a larger scale.
What is the opposite of 'famous'?
The main opposites are 'unknown' and 'obscure', describing someone or something few people have heard of. 'Anonymous' fits when a person's name is deliberately hidden. Which one you choose depends on whether the lack of fame comes from being overlooked or from staying intentionally out of view.