canonize

verb

ˈka-nə-ˌnīz How to pronounce canonize (audio)
Definition of canonizenext
1
as in to adore
to love or admire too much a singing star so canonized by his fans that they refuse to believe anything bad about him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to elevate
to assign a high status or value to those movie buffs who have canonized Alfred Hitchcock as filmdom's preeminent director

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 canonize She was beatified by Pope Urban VIII in 1627, and canonized by Pope Leo XIII on May 24, 1900. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 She was canonized in 1933 by Pope Pius XI to become Saint Bernadette. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 The film doesn’t canonize Heumann, instead showing her as dedicated leader who is also prickly, brash, and set in her ways. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026 Elizabeth Ann Seton was canonized by Pope Paul VI, becoming the first person born in what's now the United States to be named a Roman Catholic saint. — USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for canonize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canonize
  1. adore
  2. elevate
  3. worship
  4. promote
  5. like
  6. enshrine
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
  • The victory denies Abbott a fourth term and elevates an Austin state representative who built her campaign around public education, household costs and criticism of the state's Republican leadership.
    — Blaise Gainey, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The election also elevates a number of state and gubernatorial candidates who made stricter regulation of data centers a key part of their campaigns.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of elevate
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
  • Rather than campaign for Whatley, he's been promoting his new book criticizing fellow Republicans.
    — Colin Campbell, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The pastor successfully converted his personal popularity into votes by promoting unity — both among Kansans and between political parties.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of promote
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
  • The most contentious vote was in Missouri, where just two years ago voters narrowly approved a measure to enshrine the right to reproductive freedom in the constitution.
    — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The amendment also would enshrine in the county charter the seven-member ethics commission and ethics compliance office that was created when Measure G passed.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of enshrine

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canonize
canonized
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Cite this Entry

“Canonize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canonize. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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