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Showing results for well-known. Search instead for world-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:

It is one of a handful of MacKenzie’s designs in the U.S.—the most well-known being Augusta National, host of the annual Masters tournament.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 26, 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

Despite being well-known, he has kept a low profile and only rarely given interviews -- in contrast with many other Ukrainian commanders.

From Barron's Jul. 22, 2026

Sonam Wangchuk is a well-known Indian activist and educator who is in the headlines after going on hunger strike in support of youth-led protesters demanding reforms to the education system.

From BBC Jul. 20, 2026

The support of these well-known faces gave the idea of spirits credibility with the audience.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

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