ADULATE Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

adulate

verb

Definition of adulate

as in to adore

to love or admire too much it's ridiculous how she adulates that airheaded rock star

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to congratulate

to praise too much a business executive who unwisely surrounds herself with incompetent assistants who spend all their time adulating her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 adulate Venice pressers tend to fall on the warm/adulating side but this was clearly a film with plenty of admirers. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026 Greenery becomes an artful layer, softening the building and giving it a sense of (literal) grounding that tech-adulating blobitecture often lacks. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Turkey’s TB2s became adulated in Ukraine for striking Russian tanks advancing on Kyiv at the start of that war in early 2022. — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adulate

Verb

The two shared a friendship adored by fans, often seen greeting each other with an affectionate kiss on the lips whether on TV programs or on the red carpet.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2026
Stewart was adored by his collaborators and the public alike.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of adore

Verb

According to outlets, including Maine broadcast station WMTW, Collins called Jackson shortly after midnight to congratulate him for his win.

— Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026
Sorrells congratulated Burks on her victory and said his office will work with her to ensure a smooth transition.

— Emerson Clarridge Updated November 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of congratulate

Verb

At the church north of Detroit, Stevens and fiance Jason Turkish worshipped with Rogers and his wife, Kristi.

— Joey Cappelletti, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Louella and Hedda were two sides of the same coin, minted in a culture that worshipped celebrity and feared moral chaos.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of worship

Verb

Trump praised O’Donnell’s positions on border security, taxes, and small businesses.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
The MobLand actor was very diplomatic in his answer, generously praising the field of young stars who are up for the part.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of praise

Verb

Surveys have repeatedly shown that Americans don't like the current clock changes, with lawmakers and physicians blaming the regular time shifts for drowsiness, inconveniences and even risks to health.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Social convention dictates that you not be caught liking Hoffman’s posts or following her yourself.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of like

Verb

Everyone in the audience was laughing and applauding, thinking Molière’s intense coughing fit was comedic gold, until their laughter turned to horror.

— Gates McFadden, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Fans applauded while a tribute video that the Pelicans produced for McCollum played on the videoboards above the court.

— Brett Martel, AJC.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of applaud

Verb

San Jose Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky, after losing to the Senators on Saturday, called them the best team his team has faced all season, commending them for being fast, competitive and connected.

— Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
It was not known why the anchor failed, but the heavy snowstorm was not a direct factor, according to the statement, which commended the college students for their love of the outdoors and preparation for the climbing trip.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of commend

Verb

The result is sometimes overpraising, overprotection, and overindulging children, mixing emotional intensity with economic privilege in ways that breed entitlement.

— Christine Michel Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
As in the case of that picture, East of Eden is backed up by masterful screen storytelling that can hardly be overpraised and is complicated by no message that can be termed controversial.

— Jack Moffitt, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2023

Definition of overpraise

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adscititious

adulate

adulated

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“Adulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adulate. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of adulate

verb

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