notoriety

[ noh-tuh-rahy-i-tee ]

/ ˌnoʊ təˈraɪ ɪ ti /

the state, quality, or character of being notorious or widely known: a craze for notoriety.

Chiefly British. a notorious or celebrated person.

Nearby words

1585–95; < Medieval Latin nōtōrietās, equivalent to nōtōri(us) notorious + -etās, variant (after -i-) of -ity

SYNONYMS FOR notoriety

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Scalise was a state representative old enough to remember the notoriety of Farrell and Knight from years before.
The Louisiana Racists Who Courted Steve Scalise|Jason Berry|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Does it matter whether Taylor Swift wants me to inflate my Internet notoriety by doing a dumb thing where I lip sync to her music?
Death of the Author by Viral Infection: In Defense of Taylor Swift, Digital Doomsayer|Arthur Chu|December 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Whether they win or lose, contestants can be assured of one thing: notoriety as a sex worker.
Inside ‘The Sex Factor’: Where 16 Men and Women Vie For Porn Immortality|Aurora Snow|November 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Fueled by atrocity and a blitzkrieg of gains in Iraq and Syria, the Islamic State has enjoyed a meteoric climb to notoriety.
Watching ISIS Come to Power Again|Elliot Ackerman|September 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST

After Crimea was occupied, Babay moved to eastern Ukraine, where his peculiar appearance quickly earned him notoriety.
The Kremlin’s Crazy Shock Troops|Oleg Shynkarenko|May 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For he was fond of notoriety, had a craving for publicity, and was happiest when a multitude applauded.
Recollections and Impressions|Octavius Brooks Frothingham
Jim offered any bribery that might suffice, but ahead of him went his notoriety.
We Can't Have Everything|Rupert Hughes
After that night great-stepuncle James became more than a celebrity—he became a notoriety in Bursley.
Helen with the High Hand (2nd ed.)|Arnold Bennett
He loved his country, and wished to serve her, but notoriety abashed him.
Modeste Mignon|Honore de Balzac
There might be storm, and even shipwreck, but there was notoriety—perhaps even fame!
Lord Kilgobbin|Charles Lever

Word Origin and History for notoriety

1590s, from Middle French notoriété or directly from Medieval Latin notorietatem (nominative notorietas), from notorius "well-known" (see notorious).