[fa.mous] adj [ME, fr. MF fameux, fr. L famosus, fr. fama fame] (14c) 1 a: widely known b: honored for achievement
2: excellent, first-rate "~ weather for a walk" -- fa.mous.ness n syn famous, renowned, celebrated, noted, notorious, distinguished, eminent, illustrious mean known far and wide. famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known "a famous actress". renowned implies more glory and acclamation "one of the most renowned figures in sports history". celebrated implies notice and attention esp. in print "the most celebrated beauty of her day". noted suggests well-deserved public attention "the noted mystery writer". notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil "a notorious gangster". distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority "a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize". eminent implies even greater conspicuousness for outstanding quality or character "the country's most eminent writers". illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person "our illustrious national heroes".