notorious frequently adds to famous an implication of questionableness or evil.
a notorious gangster
distinguished implies acknowledged excellence or superiority.
a distinguished scientist who won the Nobel Prize
eminent implies even greater prominence for outstanding quality or character.
the country's most eminent writers
illustrious stresses enduring honor and glory attached to a deed or person.
illustrious war heroes
Example Sentences
a book about some of the most famous people of the last century the review gushed that the restaurant offered some truly famous Southern-style cooking
Recent Examples on the WebIn June, the famous family's five-bedroom and four-and-a-half brownstone in the Upper East Side of New York City hit the market for $11.5 million. Alexis Jones, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 The Purosangue’s big engine, a 715-horsepower V12 of the sort for which Ferrari is famous, is carried farther back behind the front wheels than in similar vehicles to create a better weight balance, according to Ferrari. Peter Valdes-dapena, CNN, 13 Sep. 2022 The queen was famous for not granting interviews, and her archives have not been accessible. Wsj Books Staff, WSJ, 13 Sep. 2022 Then Godard was famous, and off in a new direction, and then another. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 13 Sep. 2022 Stagecoach is famous for booking a few veterans and/or mainstream rock acts that may be considered roots-adjacent to fill key slots in the Palomino tent. Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Sep. 2022 His Huskers were famous for losing close games — 22 of his 31 losses were decided by eight points or less — and for getting beat as double-digit favorites. Eric Olson, ajc, 11 Sep. 2022 Sarandon's newest role brings her back to television as the conniving (and criminal) matriach of country music's most famous family in the new Fox drama, Monarch. Keith Langston, EW.com, 10 Sep. 2022 Royal watchers agree King Charles is not likely to corral extended relatives into the crown’s affairs as his mother did with her cousin the Duke of Kent, most famous for his role handing out trophies to the victors at Wimbledon. Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 9 Sep. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin famosus, from fama fame