as in worship
excessive admiration of or devotion to a person
fans of the team are well known for their idolatry of the quarterback
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Recent Examples of idolatry
These all may be interpreted as acts of idolatry.
—
Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
The horror movie, starring Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers, explores the inner sanctum of fame, idolatry, and the pursuit of excellence at any cost.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Majors' painfully awkward gym rat goes down a spectacularly bad path of protein shakes, steroids, rage issues, misplaced idolatry and macho posedowns in an effort to craft the perfect physique.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 July 2025
The Muhammad Ali Center previously told The Courier Journal the cultural center doesn't have a statue of Ali out of respect for his Islamic faith, which forbids idolatry.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for idolatry
Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
The horror movie, starring Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers, explores the inner sanctum of fame, idolatry, and the pursuit of excellence at any cost.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Majors' painfully awkward gym rat goes down a spectacularly bad path of protein shakes, steroids, rage issues, misplaced idolatry and macho posedowns in an effort to craft the perfect physique.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 July 2025
The Muhammad Ali Center previously told The Courier Journal the cultural center doesn't have a statue of Ali out of respect for his Islamic faith, which forbids idolatry.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for idolatry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idolatry
Noun
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Near Milan’s Navigli district, it has been officially recognized as a place of worship by the city since 2000.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Feb. 2026
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From attending rallies and protests to offering safe spaces for people to gather, worship and counsel one another, faith leaders have often found themselves on the front lines.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Taylor arrives as a legitimate Oscar threat with the kind of adoration and critics reviews that make voters take notice.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
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Over the course of the show, the pair develop a dysfunctional, surprisingly critical father-son dynamic, despite Gene's compulsive desire for adoration and Barry's, well, need to kill.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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By the nail holes above and beside the worshiping altar, the household hung garlands.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Feb. 2026
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Afternoons are made for fresh piña coladas, languid sun worshipping, and offshore adventures on motorboats fully stocked with snorkels, fins, and local beer.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Idolatry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idolatry. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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