idolize

verb

idol·​ize ˈī-də-ˌlīz How to pronounce idolize (audio)
idolized; idolizing
Synonyms of idolizenext

transitive verb

: to worship as a god
broadly : to love or admire to excess
… the common people whom he so idolized. The Times Literary Supplement (London)

intransitive verb

: to practice idolatry
idolization noun
idolizer noun

Examples of idolize in a Sentence

an actor who is idolized by millions she blindly idolized her older sister, refusing to acknowledge any of her faults
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.
The first name that caught his eye was Nicklas Lidstrom, the great Detroit Red Wing, whom Werenski idolized as a boy growing up in Michigan. Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 2 June 2026 As a child Modrić idolized the Yugoslav (later Croatian) footballer Zvonimir Boban. Sanat Pai Raikar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 June 2026 Caudhy Salomon, a 15-year-old attending Miami Beach Senior High, has long idolized and looked up to the Haitian football team, driving his love for the sport and his decision to play for Little Haiti FC, a championship-winning team in youth football. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 May 2026 Needless to say, Adrián Morejón was excited to share a uniform with someone who grew up idolizing. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for idolize

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of idolize was in 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Idolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idolize. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

idolize

verb
idol·​ize ˈīd-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce idolize (audio)
idolized; idolizing
: to worship as an idol : love or admire too much
idolization
ˌīd-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən
noun
idolizer noun

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