adoration

noun

ad·​o·​ra·​tion ˌa-də-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce adoration (audio)
: the act of adoring : the state of being adored

Examples of adoration in a Sentence

They looked at the baby in adoration. The doctor has earned the adoration of his patients.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But it’s layered with a thick and sugary frosting of adoration. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 Grande has been vocal in her adoration of Heap since the beginning of the Victorious alum’s career. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025 At one point, Gwen prays to Jesus for help, much to the bemusement (and adoration) of Ernesto. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025 Li described herself as having a lifelong suspicion of all forms of emotional melodrama, stemming from her experience as a child in China listening to propagandist operas, in which singers made extravagant claims of adoration and allegiance. Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adoration

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin adōrātiōn-, adōrātiō, from adōrāre "to venerate, adore" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adoration was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Adoration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adoration. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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