as in worship
excessive admiration of or devotion to a person
fans of the team are well known for their idolatry of the quarterback
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Recent Examples of idolatry
These all may be interpreted as acts of idolatry.
—
Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for idolatry
Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for idolatry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idolatry
Noun
-
Following in the footsteps of social-media-savvy churches such as Hillsong, in Los Angeles, Mercy Culture had a worship band that played earnest, anthemic rock, and its pastors wore skinny jeans.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Avoiding forms of worship unacceptable to that deity.—
James Coffin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In the first act, a love potion instantly transforms contempt into adoration.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Coupled with adoration is an entitlement people feel to her, an element antithetical to her swag.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
By the nail holes above and beside the worshiping altar, the household hung garlands.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Feb. 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Idolatry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idolatry. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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