Synonyms of fame
1
a
: public estimation : reputation
b
: popular acclaim : renown
2
archaic : rumor

fame

2 of 2

verb

famed; faming

transitive verb

1
archaic : report, repute
2
: to make famous

Examples of fame in a Sentence

Noun He died at the height of his fame. The book tells the story of her sudden rise to fame. He gained fame as an actor. She went to Hollywood seeking fame and fortune.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
According to reports and investigations into the allegations, a culture of fear and intimidation by Brand’s fame and influence allowed the alleged behaviour to persist for many years. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 Ten years ago, Zhamira rose to fame as one of the finalists on the Univision music competition La Banda. — Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
The governor’s mansion, Plantation House, was built in 1791 by the East India Company, and is famed today as the home of Jonathan, a tortoise from the Seychelles who is now aged about 194 and thought to be the oldest creature on Earth. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 11 Oct. 2026 Clive Davis‘s famed pre-Grammy gala will continue this Grammy season, the Recording Academy confirmed on Thursday, marking the event’s first edition since the prolific music executive’s passing four months ago. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fame

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin fama report, fame; akin to Latin fari to speak — more at ban entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fame was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fame. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

fame

noun
ˈfām
: the fact or condition of being known to the public : renown
famed
ˈfāmd
adjective
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