Notorious — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /nō-ˈtȯr-ē-əs/ no·to·ri·ous

Meaning & Definition of Notorious

Notorious (adjective)

  1. generally known and talked of; especially, widely and unfavorably known

Notorious (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not respectable

    "a notorious mastermind of terrorist activities"

    similar: discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, infamous, louche, opprobrious, shady, shameful, shoddy, shy, unrespectable
    related: bad, criminal, immoral, seamy, sordid, unethical, unsavory, wicked, base, contemptible, despicable, detestable, dirty, low, mean, miserable, vile, wretched, evil, iniquitous, nefarious, rotten, sinful, unrighteous, vicious, villainous, wrong, blamable, blameworthy, censurable, inglorious, reprehensible, corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, gamy, libertine, loose, perverted, reprobate
    opposite: honorable, reputable, respectable
    near: decent, ethical, good, honest, just, moral, noble, principled, righteous, upright, upstanding, esteemed, prestigious, reputed, respected, authorized, legal, licensed, permissible, permitted, approved, endorsed, sanctioned, clean, correct, decorous, exemplary, proper, seemly, blameless, commendable, creditable, guiltless

  2. widely known

    "a book signing for a notorious author of tell-all celebrity biographies"

    similar: big-name, celebrated, famed, famous, noted, prominent, renowned, star, visible, well-known
    related: fabled, fabulous, legendary, infamous, distinguished, eminent, exceptional, great, illustrious, leading, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, preeminent, prestigious, remarkable, supereminent, superior, important, significant, acknowledged, recognized, respected, favorite, popular, preferred, estimable, honorable, reputable, respectable, formidable, redoubtable
    opposite: anonymous, nameless, obscure, uncelebrated, unfamous, unknown, unsung
    near: insignificant, unimportant, inconspicuous, undistinguished, unexceptional, unpopular

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Notorious

The most common words with a similar meaning to Notorious:

discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, infamous, louche, opprobrious, shady, shameful, shoddy, shy, unrespectable, big-name, celebrated, famed, famous, noted, prominent, renowned, star, visible, well-known

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Notorious

Words with the opposite meaning of Notorious:

honorable, reputable, respectable, anonymous, nameless, obscure, uncelebrated, unfamous, unknown, unsung

Related Words for Notorious

bad, criminal, immoral, seamy, sordid, unethical, unsavory, wicked, base, contemptible, despicable, detestable, dirty, low, mean, miserable, vile, wretched, evil, iniquitous, nefarious, rotten, sinful, unrighteous, vicious, villainous, wrong, blamable, blameworthy, censurable

Near Antonyms of Notorious

decent, ethical, good, honest, just, moral, noble, principled, righteous, upright, upstanding, esteemed, prestigious, reputed, respected, authorized, legal, licensed, permissible, permitted, approved, endorsed, sanctioned, clean, correct, decorous, exemplary, proper, seemly, blameless

Origin & Etymology of Notorious

Medieval Latin notorius, from Late Latin notorium information, indictment, from Latin noscere to come to know know

First known use: 1534

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Notorious

Words & Phrases Containing Notorious

notoriously

Frequently Asked Questions about Notorious

What does "Notorious" mean?

"Notorious" means generally known and talked of; especially, widely and unfavorably known. As an adjective, it is defined as: generally known and talked of; especially, widely and unfavorably known. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Notorious"?

Other words for "Notorious" include discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, infamous, louche and opprobrious. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Notorious" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Notorious"?

There are 97 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Notorious". Common alternatives include discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, infamous, louche, opprobrious, shady and shameful.

What is the opposite of "Notorious"?

Antonyms of "Notorious" include honorable, reputable, respectable, anonymous, nameless, obscure, uncelebrated and unfamous. Near antonyms include decent, ethical, good and honest.

How do you use "Notorious" in a sentence?

Examples of "Notorious" in a sentence: "a notorious mastermind of terrorist activities"; "a book signing for a notorious author of tell-all celebrity biographies".

Is "Notorious" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Notorious" is an adjective.

Is "Notorious" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Notorious" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Notorious"?

"Notorious" is pronounced /nō-ˈtȯr-ē-əs/ and divided into syllables as no·to·ri·ous.