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Synonyms

fame

American  
[feym] / feɪm /

noun

  1. widespread reputation, especially of a favorable character; renown; public eminence.

    to seek fame as an opera singer.

  2. common estimation or opinion generally held of a person or thing; reputation.

verb (used with object)

famed, faming

  1. Archaic. to have or spread the renown of; to make famous.

fame British  
/ feɪm /

noun

  1. the state of being widely known or recognized; renown; celebrity

  2. archaic rumour or public report

"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

verb

  1. (tr; now usually passive) to make known or famous; celebrate

    he was famed for his ruthlessness
"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

Other Word Forms

  • famed adjective
  • fameless adjective
  • outfame verb (used with object)
  • self-fame noun

Etymology

Origin of fame

1175–1225; Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin fāma talk, public opinion, repute, akin to fārī to speak

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.

At the time the famous man was saying his accusers were "making it up, they just want money, they just want fame'."

From BBC

The desire for touch, the desire for fame, the desire for inner peace.

From BBC

He first rose to fame after an appearance on the British version of reality TV show Big Brother in 2016.

From BBC

He first rose to fame on TV sketch series Little Britain and has also won National Television Awards for his work as a judge on Britain's Got Talent.

From BBC

As a result of the fountain's fame, the crowds in the square surrounding the Baroque masterpiece are often so deep that it is hard to get a proper look.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.