infamous

adjective

ˈin-fə-məs How to pronounce infamous (audio)
Definition of infamousnext
as in notorious
not respectable the infamous criminal who remains known only by the moniker of "Jack the Ripper"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of infamous In 2011, there was the infamous security breach that brought PSN down for 23 days, though that was just… bad, rather than Sony making some specific decision. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, is infamous for a contradiction. — James Doubek, NPR, 3 July 2026 The Brooklyn neighborhood where, if Swiftie lyrical interpretations are to be trusted, Swift left a now-infamous scarf at the home of one Maggie Gyllenhaal around 2010. — Lily Boyce, New York Times, 2 July 2026 The Balboa Peninsula, which Stapleton represents on the council, has historically been an infamous hot spot for public drinking, disruptive parties and brawls throughout the summer and especially during the Fourth of July. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for infamous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infamous
notorious
Adjective
  • The memory industry is notorious for its boom and bust cycles.
    — Bailey Lipschultz, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • One of the most notorious lynchings during the Jim Crow period in America was of Leo Frank, a Jewish man.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of notorious

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Cite this Entry

“Infamous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infamous. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on infamous

Nglish: Translation of infamous for Spanish Speakers

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