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Synonyms

well-known

American  
[wel-nohn] / ˈwɛlˈnoʊn /

adjective

  1. clearly or fully known.

    The well-known reasons are obvious.

  2. generally or widely known.

    a well-known painting.

    Synonyms:
    celebrated, noted, famous, prominent

well-known British  

adjective

  1. widely known; famous; celebrated

  2. known fully or clearly

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of well-known

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Researchers led by Suketu Patel put several leading AI models through a well-known psychology experiment called the Stroop task.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

Nestlé is exploring selling well-known brands, including sparkling-water company San Pellegrino and the rest of its stake in ice cream maker Häagen-Dazs.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

The city has long been home to acts that sought inspiration from nearly every bin in the record shop—the cinematic trip-hop outfit Portishead is the most well-known example.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Fujimori is one of the most well-known figures in Peruvian politics, and this is her fourth time running for office.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Branwell’s dad, Dr. Stefan Zamborska, is a well-known geneticist.

From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg

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