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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.

Nvidia’s stock has struggled to find a recent catalyst, but Meyers pinned that on its roadmap being “so well-known, there’s very little to surprise us.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

The 79-year-old, a well-known fast food fan, emerged from the heart of the White House to take possession of two bags of burgers from a DoorDash employee.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

The outcome could have been very different after a fire broke out Tuesday at a well-known Hollywood venue, but the site emerged relatively unscathed, the owner said, chalking it up to “true Magic Castle magic!”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

“Babylist is really, really well-known by those who use it. But I think we’ve flown under the radar,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

“It is a well-known fact, Brer,” John Henry said.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia