as in to honor
to treat (someone) as a very important and famous person
She was lionized everywhere after her novel won the Pulitzer Prize.
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Recent Examples of lionize
Patriot reenactors insisted that their aim is not to lionize the Americans.
—
Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
The movie’s frank depiction of Mishima’s bisexual obsessions and radical political drive, not to mention the involvement of foreign filmmakers like Schrader, Coppola and Lucas, drew a boycott from Mishima’s widow and incensed the ultra-right-wing political groups that continued to lionize him.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Progressives should condemn these killers and do whatever is in their power to push back on the voices that lionize them, and the toxic social media algorithms that boost those voices.
—Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025
On Sunday, he was lionized as a Christian martyr and patriot committed to free expression and challenging liberal orthodoxy.
—Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
The movie’s frank depiction of Mishima’s bisexual obsessions and radical political drive, not to mention the involvement of foreign filmmakers like Schrader, Coppola and Lucas, drew a boycott from Mishima’s widow and incensed the ultra-right-wing political groups that continued to lionize him.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Progressives should condemn these killers and do whatever is in their power to push back on the voices that lionize them, and the toxic social media algorithms that boost those voices.
—Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025
On Sunday, he was lionized as a Christian martyr and patriot committed to free expression and challenging liberal orthodoxy.
—Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionize
Verb
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Tickets for the original Orlando date will be honored for the new date.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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Valentine's Day pagan connections Lupercalia was a debaucherous festival that celebrated the coming of spring that included animal sacrifices and drunken revelry to honor Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.—
Kate Perez,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Vidovic admired how Brusek could go into basketball after missing four years and not miss a beat.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
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The massive lobby is bustling at any time of day, but take a moment to pause and admire the common space's Dale Chihuly centerpiece that's comprised of more than 600 pieces of blown glass.—
Laura Ratliff,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Despite some high-profile falls into disgrace, India’s spiritual leaders are widely revered.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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Turning to coaching, they were revered at the New York Skating Club at Madison Square Garden, where they were known for their strict emphasis on figures and classical skating—and Brunet became known for his habit of smoking cigarettes in succession while demonstrating maneuvers.—
Natasha O'Neill,
Vanity Fair,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Since becoming a global celebrity in the mid-’90s, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy has become venerated for her restrained, aloof glamour.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2026
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One example of a prominent woman in these writings is Thecla, venerated for her persistence, courage and influence.—
Christy Cobb,
The Conversation,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Contrary to Mercury, the love planet exalts in this Water sign, making relationship dynamics smoother to navigate.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 Feb. 2026
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As Alvarado explores repeatedly, Valdez rejected that pathway, instead honing his indigenous roots, and dedicating his life to exalting those who, like him, exist in the in-between.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Island artisans shaped much of the transformation, handling everything from masonry repairs to custom windows to cabinetry and furniture, working with a level of care that respected the building’s age and character.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2026
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If someone pushes, state what works for you and offer a simple alternative that respects time and money.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In the same breath, Cosgrove praised Diggins for being vulnerable throughout her rise up the ranks, such as sharing her struggle with an eating disorder, which has played a role in inspiring the next generation to face their own struggles.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2026
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Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, praised the mayor’s directive in a statement.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This is the reception rotunda for Steinway Hall, a landmarked interior, where generations of pianists came to worship their instrument, talk craft, perform, and play.—
Adriane Quinlan,
Curbed,
9 Feb. 2026
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After a childhood spent worshipping the Ramones and the Replacements, Billie Joe Armstrong co-founded Green Day with bassist Mike Dirnt in 1987.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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