When it comes to expressing how well-known someone or something is, the phrase "be famous for" may be overused and repetitive. Fortunately, the English language provides us with numerous synonyms to describe fame or notoriety in a fresh and versatile way. Alternative expressions that can be used instead of "be famous for" include "gain recognition for", "attain a reputation for", "become renowned for", "achieve notability for", "garner a name for", "strike notoriety for", "earn a place in the limelight for", and "establish oneself as a household name for". These variations help to add some pizzazz to your writing and speech while conveying the message effectively.