Synonyms of idolize

idolize

verb

ˈī-də-ˌlīz 

as in to adore

to love or admire too much

she blindly idolized her older sister, refusing to acknowledge any of her faults

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adore
• worship
• like
• revere
• deify
• adulate
• hero-worship
• canonize
• dote (on)
• appreciate
• regard
• cherish
• prefer
• venerate
• respect
• treasure
• value
• esteem
• favor
• endorse
• prize
• approve
• fancy
• hallow
• support

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hate
• despise
• dislike
• detest
• abhor
• loathe
• disdain
• disparage
• abominate
• belittle
• deprecate
• put down
• misprize

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of idolize

Bobby Wilson was a pastor’s son who grew up idolizing the kind of R&B dudes who could wail a praise song and then hit up Freaknik afterwards (think Jodeci and H-Town). — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 11 July 2026

One of six children, Tyler grew up idolizing Tina Turner and Janis Joplin and singing hymns in the Anglican church her parents attended. — Adela Suliman, NBC news, 9 July 2026

The Muslim teen from Jersey City idolizes Captain Marvel and the Avengers but doesn't dare dream of being like them. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 8 July 2026

The Vallejo product scored in double figures in all three games, balancing on- and off-ball responsibilities as a 6-foot-3 combo guard who grew up idolizing Baron Davis and Steph Curry. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 7 July 2026