HERO-WORSHIP Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

hero-worship 1 of 2

verb

ˈhir-(ˌ)ō-ˌwər-ship

Definition of hero-worship

as in to adore

to love or admire too much people who hero-worship celebrities are setting themselves up for disappointment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to overpraise

to praise too much a golfing pro who is hero-worshipped by hordes of weekend duffers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hero worship

2 of 2

noun

as in worship

excessive admiration of or devotion to a person once the object of uncritical hero worship, the aging quarterback now faces the derision of his team's fickle fans

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 hero-worship

Verb

When The Athletic visited Tashkent for the March international break, the hero-worship hadn’t yet ceased; Cannavaro was applauded both into and out of the press conference room by journalists, while some asked for selfies. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 1 June 2026 In an accompanying statement, Yungblud said that the record explores the theme of hero-worship. — Thomas Smith, Billboard, 6 May 2025

Noun

This is the vibe that Edgar Wright is chasing with his version of The Running Man, which hews closely to the original text with a fidelity bordering on hero worship. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025 Bruins players receive their share of glory and hero worship. — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hero-worship

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hero-worship

Verb

Despite fans of the Gap brand adoring the original Happy Stripe sweater design, many found this new iteration to be lackluster in comparison.

— Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Set in Rome, Kentucky, the first When In Rome book centers Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fanbase.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 23 July 2026

Definition of adore

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

Noun

But Pitre’s interpretation of the towering British producer’s aesthetic never feels like blind worship.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026
Nearly 240 feet high, the tower of Hallgrímskirkja Church is visible throughout the city; this Lutheran house of worship is Reykjavik’s tallest structure.

— Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of worship

Verb

Advisors begin by understanding how each client likes to travel before recommending the itinerary, suite category, and destination experiences best suited to their interests.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 24 July 2026
Bhayshul Tuten fans like to mock Rodriguez, but the latter was good, borderline great, in 2025 — 14th in yards over expected per carry, sixth in EPA per attempt, eighth in success rate and third in yards after contact per attempt.

— Michael Salfino, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of like

Noun

Yet the subject of this adoration made absolutely sure nobody was short-changed.

— Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Part of that adoration comes from a high level of public awareness about wildlife and conservation in Tasmania, home to many endemic species found nowhere else in the world.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of adoration

Verb

Fedorov, just 35 years old, has spent his career idolizing the startup, entrepreneurial culture of Silicon Valley, and sought to recreate it in Ukraine.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026
The legend of Caitlin Clark was blossoming, with millions of average Americans idolizing her family-first background and humble Midwestern roots.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2026

Definition of idolize

Verb

Her mother in Kearney, Francesca Gambino Brown, congratulated her on social media last week as Brown prepares for the upcoming football season.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026
The sibling duo, locked in a hug, then headed up through the stands together as others congratulated Yamal on Spain’s win.

— Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026

Definition of congratulate

Browse Nearby Words

heroizing

hero-worship

hero worship

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Hero-worship.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hero-worship. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hero-worship

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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