hero-worship 1 of 2

verb

ˈhir-(ˌ)ō-ˌwər-ship How to pronounce hero-worship (audio)
Definition of hero-worshipnext
1
as in to adore
to love or admire too much people who hero-worship celebrities are setting themselves up for disappointment

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to overpraise
to praise too much a golfing pro who is hero-worshipped by hordes of weekend duffers

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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

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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
  1. adore
  2. overpraise
  3. worship
  4. like
  5. praise
  6. adoration
  7. idolize
  8. congratulate
Verb
  • As John walks several miles to catch up to Hal (who takes pictures with adoring fans at a taco stand), a holographic construct of a younger Hal emerges from the ring and briefly interacts with John.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Sending so much love and light to her family, friends, and everyone who adored her.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 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
  • The period, which usually falls between July and August, is dedicated to the worship of Hindu god Lord Shiva and is marked by fasting, prayers and colorful monsoon festivals across India.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Central Synagogue vowed to not allow hatred to interrupt its call to worship.
    — Allen Devlin, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of worship
Verb
  • Law likes Bobby’s dye pattern, but Willy and Heidi both think the dress’s baggy, circular shape is unflattering.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Glasner has the energy of a man who doesn’t want to be liked, but does want to be admired.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of like
Verb
  • Guest judge Willy Chavarria praises how Jeffrey’s outfit moved (my favorite thing about it), but the strength of Naheim’s tromp l’oeil effect snags him the win, immunity for the next challenge, and $20,000 from Viva.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The play of both lines was pleasing to Harbaugh, who praised the performances of young defensive linemen TeRah Edwards and Jacobian Guillory.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of praise
Noun
  • In Pattinson’s case, his latest entries in the internet hall of fame also reflect how his online status has changed across his career, from a position of mockery to the widespread adoration on display today in numerous viral fan edits.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • His death sparked an outpouring of adoration from his Sopranos’ castmates, among others.
    — Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of adoration
Verb
  • After the September 2025 shooting, law enforcement said the social media companies were slow to produce information about the shooter's online profiles, which included posts idolizing of other mass shooters.
    — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The hosts are still getting used to receiving a heightened level of attention, to being idolized by both the general nerd and Black nerd communities.
    — Daniel Strauss, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of idolize
Verb
  • Carr issued a statement congratulating Thumann Severs but did not express any wish for a five-member commission.
    — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Chances are you answer emails while sitting in meetings, listen to podcasts while exercising, scroll your phone while standing in line and congratulate ourselves for squeezing more into every hour.
    — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of congratulate

Browse Nearby Words

heroizing
hero-worship
hero worship
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Cite this Entry

“Hero-worship.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hero-worship. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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