as in admired
to treat (someone) as a very important and famous person
She was lionized everywhere after her novel won the Pulitzer Prize.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 lionized
Keïta is lionized in the photo world, and in the art world at large, and rightfully so.
—
Zoë Hopkins, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
On Sunday, he was lionized as a Christian martyr and patriot committed to free expression and challenging liberal orthodoxy.
—Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
Conservatives memorialize Kirk as 'martyr' and 'warrior' Kirk was lionized by several speakers as a modern-day martyr, many using the word in the context of his Christian faith.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2025
Barry Goldwater thundered against centralized power, Ronald Reagan lionized hands-off government and liberty, and even Richard Nixon respected certain limits.
—Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Today, though, Oppenheimer is lionized while Bush is little known outside a small circle of historians, computer scientists, and policy thinkers.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2024
By the late 18th century, he had been lionized as a national hero who established the first, lasting European contact with the continent.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Zoë Hopkins, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
On Sunday, he was lionized as a Christian martyr and patriot committed to free expression and challenging liberal orthodoxy.
—Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
Conservatives memorialize Kirk as 'martyr' and 'warrior' Kirk was lionized by several speakers as a modern-day martyr, many using the word in the context of his Christian faith.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2025
Barry Goldwater thundered against centralized power, Ronald Reagan lionized hands-off government and liberty, and even Richard Nixon respected certain limits.
—Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Today, though, Oppenheimer is lionized while Bush is little known outside a small circle of historians, computer scientists, and policy thinkers.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2024
By the late 18th century, he had been lionized as a national hero who established the first, lasting European contact with the continent.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionized
Verb
-
Have women forgotten the art of standing out and being admired?—
Letters To The Editor,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Vidovic admired how Brusek could go into basketball after missing four years and not miss a beat.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Michael Patrick King will be honored at next month’s Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
-
When a union and management develop a routine or custom, there are expectations that routine or custom will be honored going forward.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Despite some high-profile falls into disgrace, India’s spiritual leaders are widely revered.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
-
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
-
Venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya has also long praised the game as a powerful teacher of judgement.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The more frugal sides are decried as misers or praised for their market savvy, no matter the surrounding factors.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Providing plenty of chances for kids to make their own decisions (and learn from mistakes) is one way parents can show children that their preferences, ideas, wants, and needs are respected and valued.—
Alanna Gallo,
Parents,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
One moment they’re worshiped on social media; the next, they’re scorched.—
Kevin Sherrington
Feb. 4,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Frail elderly women, swathed in headscarves and saris, worshipped while sitting on puddled pavement near corroded metal changing lockers plastered with ads for Glow & Lovely skin cream.—
Norma Meyer,
Oc Register,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lionized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionized. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
