Synonyms of idol

idol

noun

ˈī-dᵊl 

as in hero

a person who is the object of extreme or uncritical devotion

a movie star whose portrayal of a comic book superhero in a blockbuster series has made him the idol of millions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hero
• god
• icon
• model
• classic
• paragon
• ideal
• exemplar
• nonpareil
• beau ideal

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of idol

In some ways, the question touches on the work of one of my MIT idols, Marvin Minsky. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Still, there’s a reason Inside the Actors Studio ran for 22 seasons and the most fervent alt-rap acolytes are constantly begging their idols to empty their hard drives. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026

Veloso has interviewed several groups and idols for our website and social channels, some of which include WONHO and RIIZE. — Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 29 July 2026

Eventually some came to regard him with a singular reverence—as if public health were a new religion, and Fauci its living idol. — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026