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Showing results for well-known. Search instead for best-known.
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.

See Examples For:

The show is normally anchored by a well-known comedian, who introduces two other comics to present their own stand-up routines at London's Hammersmith Apollo.

From BBC Jul. 29, 2026

"We primarily sell our products to well-known partners, including OEMs, who help us ensure that all sales comply with US export control rules," the spokesperson said, using the acronym for original equipment manufacturers.

From Barron's Jul. 28, 2026

These compounds differ from larger peptide medications such as semaglutide, which is used in well-known drugs including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.

From Science Daily Jul. 25, 2026

He is well-known to investors and regulators around the world, and in February traveled to New York as part of an official Chinese government delegation.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 24, 2026

Former juvenile offenders who had later become well-known public figures filed supporting documents, including very conservative politicians like former U.S. senator Alan Simpson from Wyoming.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

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