well-known

adjective

ˈwel-ˈnōn How to pronounce well-known (audio)
Synonyms of well-knownnext
: fully or widely known

Synonyms of well-known

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Examples of well-known in a Sentence

an anchorwoman so well-known that she passes for a local celebrity
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her role with the team has been well-known and presumably was part of deliberations between Walter, Kushner and Buss. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The school is most well-known for its business administration degrees, but also offers programs in media, science, and cyber-physical systems. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 Berge ran an underdog, insurgent campaign against Cooke, who was more well-known and better financed. — Scott Bauer, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 While Lindsey Graham was single and well-known around the world, his sister lived a relatively quiet life with her husband and daughters in Lexington, South Carolina. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for well-known

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of well-known was in the 15th century

Rhymes for well-known

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Browse Nearby Words

well-knit
well-known
well-liked
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Cite this Entry

“Well-known.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-known. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

well-known

adjective
ˈwel-ˈnōn
: known by many people

More from Merriam-Webster on well-known

Nglish: Translation of well-known for Spanish Speakers

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