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

The hundreds of millions of people who follow her are aware of this disconnect and embrace the contrived aspect of her persona in a way that’s more meta than classic Hollywood hero worship. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 11 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for hero-worship

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hero-worship

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 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

Is class the best lens for understanding Hitler’s appeal, or is daddy worship?

— Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Affordability is a central concern for voters such as Alex Weaver, a maintenance worker at the worship center who helped prepare the building for the visit.

— Larry Seward, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of worship

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

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

Noun

His face appearing on the big screen was naturally greeted by cheers of adoration from the stands and would normally have been a pure reason to smile.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
The filmmaker was showered with love and adoration by appreciative fans.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of adoration

Verb

Alanis Morissette idolized John Ritter for his work on Three’s Company.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2026
Deguchi Natsuki plays Fujino, an outgoing student who draws manga for her school newspaper, and Makita Aju plays Kyomoto, a reclusive classmate who idolizes her work.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of idolize

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

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 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of hero-worship

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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