renown

1 of 2

noun

re·​nown ri-ˈnau̇n How to pronounce renown (audio)
Synonyms of renown
1
: a state of being widely acclaimed and highly honored : fame
2
obsolete : report, rumor

renown

2 of 2

verb

renowned; renowning; renowns

transitive verb

: to give renown to

Synonyms of renown

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Noun

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Examples of renown in a Sentence

Noun He achieved great renown for his discoveries. Her photographs have earned her international renown.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Its innovative cutting-edge treatments, some found nowhere else, reaffirm the destination spa’s renown as one of the finest in the nation. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 Despite her worldwide renown, Dolly Parton resisted award recognition several times in her prolific career. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Bell’s tenure leading the institute included the museum’s 2014 expansion and relocation to UConn’s main campus in Storrs — and its increasing renown within and beyond the professional theater world. — Tran Chau, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026 Incoming head coach Stephen Fleming, a Test batter of considerable renown prior to his generation-long stint coaching Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, needs to go in a different direction. — Ben Jones, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for renown

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English renoun, from Anglo-French renum, renoun, from renomer to report, speak of, from re- + nomer to name, from Latin nominare, from nomin-, nomen name — more at name

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of renown was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing renown

Rhymes for renown

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Browse Nearby Words

renovator
renown
renowned
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Cite this Entry

“Renown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renown. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

renown

noun
re·​nown
ri-ˈnau̇n
: a state of being widely known and highly honored : fame
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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