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
Regenda grew up idolizing other Slovakian stars like Marian Hossa, Marian Gaborik, Pavol Demitra, and Zdeno Chara.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
The whole world loved him, idolized him.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
The film follows Antoine (Moore), who idolizes his father, a charismatic gambler.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026
Once, Maye idolized Cam Newton.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idolize
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.
Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
The whole world loved him, idolized him.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
The film follows Antoine (Moore), who idolizes his father, a charismatic gambler.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026
Once, Maye idolized Cam Newton.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 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 12 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
