► famousknown about or recognized by a lot of people: Cary Grant was a famous movie star in the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s.
► well-known fairly famous and known about by a lot of people: She has been seen around Hollywood with a well-known actor.
► legendary very famous and admired by many people for a long time: We were lucky to get to see the legendary blues guitarist, B.B. King.
► infamous/notorious famous for doing something bad: The bank was robbed by the infamous criminal, Jesse James.
► celebrated famous and often impressive or important: The celebrated South African leader, Nelson Mandela, will speak at the event.
► renowned/noted/famed famous, especially for a particular quality, achievement, or activity. Used about people or places: Her father is the renowned author of several novels. The area is noted for its wildlife.
► distinguished/eminent well-known, especially for serious work in science, the arts, etc.: Our special guest will be the distinguished Professor Randall Marks from the School of Fine Arts.
► prominent well-known and important within a particular group: Her father was a doctor and a prominent member of the community.