as in heroes
a person who is the object of extreme or uncritical devotion
a movie star whose portrayal of a comic book superhero in a blockbuster series has made him the idol of millions
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of idols
The team harbored a zany obsession over nicknaming one another for heavy-metal stars and other teen music idols.
—
Shawn Tully, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Rock stars and their equivalents in other genres often develop their craft in obscurity before being discovered; idols are apprentices, trained exhaustively by their management companies.
—Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
Ubiquitous advertisements on television and social media, often fronted by celebrities and sports idols, are now often the first exposure to gambling for children.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Tickets that go for $9,000 each; fans who plant trees so their idols can see them from their plane; devotees who listen for up to 11 hours a day.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
Now, there are three idols active.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 19 Mar. 2026
While every detail about the fictional K-pop groups’ lives was not 100 percent accurate — just ask BTS member Jungkook or any of the other K-pop idols who loved and dissected the film for fans — KPDH allowed those working behind-the-scenes in the space a moment in the spotlight.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
Arguably television’s premier singing competition show, this cultural institution has given America many idols over its 24 seasons, including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood — the latter of whom has returned as a judge.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
The traditional music business was collapsing, as the internet cut into CD sales while letting listeners elevate their own niche idols.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
Shawn Tully, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Rock stars and their equivalents in other genres often develop their craft in obscurity before being discovered; idols are apprentices, trained exhaustively by their management companies.
—Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
Ubiquitous advertisements on television and social media, often fronted by celebrities and sports idols, are now often the first exposure to gambling for children.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Tickets that go for $9,000 each; fans who plant trees so their idols can see them from their plane; devotees who listen for up to 11 hours a day.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
Now, there are three idols active.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 19 Mar. 2026
While every detail about the fictional K-pop groups’ lives was not 100 percent accurate — just ask BTS member Jungkook or any of the other K-pop idols who loved and dissected the film for fans — KPDH allowed those working behind-the-scenes in the space a moment in the spotlight.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
Arguably television’s premier singing competition show, this cultural institution has given America many idols over its 24 seasons, including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood — the latter of whom has returned as a judge.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
The traditional music business was collapsing, as the internet cut into CD sales while letting listeners elevate their own niche idols.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idols
Noun
-
The show saw the heroes combine their powers to fight off the mysterious mercenary cult known as The Hand.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Ladytron willed themselves into existence some 25 years ago, writing their names in the residue of icy-hot heroes like Kraftwerk, Soft Cell, and Gina X.—
Jesse Dorris,
Pitchfork,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ancient Mayans later believed cenotes were sacred portals to the underworld, where gods and spirits dwelled.—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Ancient Mayans believed cenotes were sacred portals to the underworld, where gods and spirits dwelled.—
Ryan Brennan
April 4,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Idols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idols. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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