IDOLIZE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

idolize

verb

ˈī-də-ˌlīz

Definition of idolize

as in to adore

to love or admire too much she blindly idolized her older sister, refusing to acknowledge any of her faults

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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 idolize Even before her death, though, some people idolized her in a saint-like way. — Sarah Dees, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 After the September 2025 shooting, law enforcement said the social media companies were slow to produce information about the shooter's online profiles, which included posts idolizing of other mass shooters. — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2026 That era of Disney Channel was full of new movie soundtracks to play, dance moves to learn, and stars to idolize. — Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 12 Aug. 2026 The hosts are still getting used to receiving a heightened level of attention, to being idolized by both the general nerd and Black nerd communities. — Daniel Strauss, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for idolize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for idolize

Verb

Tight end Eric Saubert played for him in San Francisco and adored the coach’s wit back then.

— Andrew Destin, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The Hilary Shoulder Bag is from JW Pei, the brand that Oprah, Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber, Anne Hathaway, and droves of other A-listers adore.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of adore

Verb

The latter is embodied by an underground race of telepathic mutants who worship an unexploded nuclear bomb and find themselves in conflict with the apes, as well as the few surviving humans, on the way to a finale that out-tragedies the original.

— Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
With only Lucien, a freshly out twink with more heart than abs, still by his side, Jim must race to find a cure before the disease erases the community that once worshipped him.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of worship

Verb

Lamb liked to link play, although City also had plenty of joy down the flanks.

— Rob Tanner, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
As for the journalist, with the anniversary comes reflection on the first responders, those who lost their lives and others who like him, are still living with the consequences.

— Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of like

Browse Nearby Words

idolizations

idolize

idolized

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“Idolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idolize. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of idolize

verb

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