well-known
Americanadjective
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clearly or fully known.
The well-known reasons are obvious.
-
generally or widely known.
a well-known painting.
- Synonyms:
- celebrated, noted, famous, prominent
adjective
-
widely known; famous; celebrated
-
known fully or clearly
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.
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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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.