as in worship
excessive admiration of or devotion to a person
fans of the team are well known for their idolatry of the quarterback
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 idolatry
The horror movie, starring Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers, explores the inner sanctum of fame, idolatry, and the pursuit of excellence at any cost.
—
Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Majors' painfully awkward gym rat goes down a spectacularly bad path of protein shakes, steroids, rage issues, misplaced idolatry and macho posedowns in an effort to craft the perfect physique.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 July 2025
The Muhammad Ali Center previously told The Courier Journal the cultural center doesn't have a statue of Ali out of respect for his Islamic faith, which forbids idolatry.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
As religions developed and faiths were defined in Biblical texts and commentaries, teachings began to distinguish between veneration and idolatry.
—Judy Knotts, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for idolatry
Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Majors' painfully awkward gym rat goes down a spectacularly bad path of protein shakes, steroids, rage issues, misplaced idolatry and macho posedowns in an effort to craft the perfect physique.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 July 2025
The Muhammad Ali Center previously told The Courier Journal the cultural center doesn't have a statue of Ali out of respect for his Islamic faith, which forbids idolatry.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
As religions developed and faiths were defined in Biblical texts and commentaries, teachings began to distinguish between veneration and idolatry.
—Judy Knotts, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for idolatry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idolatry
Noun
-
Sixty-five warming spaces — located at hospitals, houses of worship and schools — are active around town throughout the weekend, with warming buses also parked outside many of the hospitals and also transit hubs.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Moving the church into a dedicated worship space will free up the gym and allow local Assyrians to start turning the building into a community gathering place, said Ashur Shiba, a Morton Grove village trustee and executive director of the grassroots group Vote Assyrian.—
Marie Wilson,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The retreat will include interactive talks, personal time for couples’ reflection and discussion, a continental breakfast and catered lunch, and adoration with a special blessing for the couples.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
My list is filled with personal adoration for each of these plants.—
Neil Sperry,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Afternoons are made for fresh piña coladas, languid sun worshipping, and offshore adventures on motorboats fully stocked with snorkels, fins, and local beer.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Some might be inclined to label Lee as an early cult leader, with her extreme views on sexuality, somatic-style worshipping rituals rooted in dance and song as well as her desire to build a self-sufficient, utopian community outside of mainstream society.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
25 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idolatry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idolatry. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
