notorious
adjective
Lewis Mumford Pliotron 
Did you know?
Notorious was adopted into English in the 16th century from Medieval Latin notorius, itself from Late Latin's noun notorium, meaning "information" or "indictment." Notorium, in turn, derives from the Latin verb noscere, meaning "to come to know." Although notorious can be a synonym of famous, meaning simply "widely known," it long ago developed the additional implication of someone or something unpleasant or undesirable. The Book of Common Prayer of 1549 includes one of the first known uses of the unfavorable meaning in print, referring to "notorious synners."
Synonyms
- discreditable
- disgraceful
- dishonorable
- disreputable
- ignominious
- infamous
- louche
- opprobrious
- shady
- shameful
- shoddy
- shy
- unrespectable
Example Sentences
Parker Gabriel, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2022 For any other artists, such specific theories might seem a little far-fetched, but T-Swift is notorious for indulging her fans’ most intense detective urges. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2022 Before the pandemic, Goldman was notorious for annually cutting five percent of its employees using performance metrics to weed out underperforming members of its staff. Sophie Mellor, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2022 The space under a staircase is notorious for becoming a cavernous collection of miscellaneous objects. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2022 Like airlines, hotels are notorious for attaching additional charges to the bill at the end of a stay: resort fees, self-parking fees and fees for checking in early. Jacob Passy, WSJ, 27 Aug. 2022 Little kids are notorious for avoiding bedtime and this little llama is no different. Christina Montoya Fiedler, Good Housekeeping, 22 Aug. 2022 As hinted at above, influenza A viruses are notorious for their ability to mutate. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 12 Aug. 2022 Ethereum Classic, which will also keep operating as a proof-of-work network post-Merge, has become notorious for being the target of several successful 51% attacks since its inception. WIRED, 20 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Medieval Latin notorius, from Late Latin notorium information, indictment, from Latin noscere to come to know — more at know
1534, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
notorious
adjective
Robert McCloskey, Homer Price Legal Definition
notorious
adjective
notorious
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- infamous
- shady
- criminal
- immoral
- disreputable
- disgraceful
- shameful
- shoddy
- ignominious
- discreditable
- bad
- dishonorable
- louche
- shy
- unrespectable
- opprobrious
- low
- vicious
- dirty
- vile
- corrupt
- sordid
- wicked
- nefarious
- evil
- unethical
- unsavory
- seamy
- detestable
- villainous
- despicable
- miserable
- wrong
- contemptible
- rotten
- mean
- iniquitous
- wretched
- sinful
- base
- inglorious
- depraved
- reprehensible
- perverted
- debauched
- censurable
- unrighteous
- blameworthy
- degenerate
- dissolute
- libertine
- blamable
- reprobate
- loose
- debased
- gamy
- gamey
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- reputable
- honorable
- respectable
- good
- noble
- reputed
- prestigious
- moral
- decent
- ethical
- esteemed
- righteous
- honest
- just
- legal
- respected
- upright
- permitted
- permissible
- authorized
- licensed
- proper
- approved
- endorsed
- exemplary
- correct
- principled
- upstanding
- sanctioned
- clean
- decorous
- commendable
- creditable
- blameless
- seemly
- indorsed
- guiltless
Synonyms & Similar Words
- famous
- famed
- infamous
- renowned
- prominent
- celebrated
- legendary
- noted
- distinguished
- well-known
- visible
- respected
- notable
- star
- illustrious
- leading
- big-name
- remarkable
- outstanding
- important
- prestigious
- fabled
- noteworthy
- honorable
- popular
- respectable
- great
- eminent
- exceptional
- fabulous
- recognized
- favorite
- formidable
- preeminent
- acknowledged
- preferred
- reputable
- significant
- superior
- estimable
- supereminent
- redoubtable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unknown
- obscure
- anonymous
- nameless
- unsung
- unfamous
- insignificant
- unimportant
- inconspicuous
- unpopular
- uncelebrated
- undistinguished
- unexceptional
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of notorious are celebrated, distinguished, eminent, famous, illustrious, noted, and renowned. While all these words mean "known far and wide," notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.
The meanings of celebrated and notorious largely overlap; however, celebrated implies notice and attention especially in print.
The words distinguished and notorious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.
In some situations, the words eminent and notorious are roughly equivalent. However, eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.
Although the words famous and notorious have much in common, famous implies little more than the fact of being, sometimes briefly, widely and popularly known.
The synonyms illustrious and notorious are sometimes interchangeable, but illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.
While the synonyms noted and notorious are close in meaning, noted suggests well-deserved public attention.
The words renowned and notorious can be used in similar contexts, but renowned implies more glory and acclamation.