idolize
verb
idol·ize
ˈī-də-ˌlīz 
idolized; idolizing
: to worship as a god
broadly
: to love or admire to excess
… the common people whom he so idolized. —
The Times Literary Supplement (London)
The Times Literary Supplement (London)
: to practice idolatry
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
Having access to the network of former UConn superstars is still surreal for Vukosa, who grew up idolizing Breanna Stewart and attends the same high school as Hall of Famer Sue Bird and WNBA MVP Tina Charles.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2026
While Willis, an Atlanta native who idolized Michael Vick growing up, attempts to downplay his mobility, the people around him, those who have coached him, view it as his superpower.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
McGonigle grew up idolizing Phillies legend Chase Utley, who is going into the club's Wall of Fame in August.
—Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Bonzagni, who grew up a Rangers fan and idolized outfielders David Murphy, Craig Gentry and Josh Hamilton, didn’t make Carroll’s varsity team in any of his first three high school seasons.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idolize
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Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2026
While Willis, an Atlanta native who idolized Michael Vick growing up, attempts to downplay his mobility, the people around him, those who have coached him, view it as his superpower.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
McGonigle grew up idolizing Phillies legend Chase Utley, who is going into the club's Wall of Fame in August.
—Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Bonzagni, who grew up a Rangers fan and idolized outfielders David Murphy, Craig Gentry and Josh Hamilton, didn’t make Carroll’s varsity team in any of his first three high school seasons.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idolize
Cite this Entry
“Idolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idolize. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
idolize
verb
idol·ize
ˈīd-ᵊl-ˌīz
idolized; idolizing
: to worship as an idol : love or admire too much
idolization
noun
ˌīd-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən
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