as in adored
to love or admire too much
she blindly idolized her older sister, refusing to acknowledge any of her faults
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 idolized
Rafaela, who began his professional career as a middle infielder in the Red Sox minor leagues, idolized him.
—
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
Olympians – athletes at the top of their sport and in prime health – are idolized and often viewed as superhuman.
—Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
Carter's younger brother idolized him.
—Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 13 Feb. 2026
While Spielberg and Van Der Beek never officially worked together on a film or television project, the actor’s character in Dawson’s Creek idolized the director as his filmmaking hero, with Dawson’s bedroom featuring several Spielberg movie posters.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 12 Feb. 2026
The whole world loved him, idolized him.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
Once, Maye idolized Cam Newton.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2026
Her polished fashion sense, marked by sophisticated, minimalist pieces and a neutral color palette, has been idolized even decades after her death.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
Kiffin idolized Spurrier growing up.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
Olympians – athletes at the top of their sport and in prime health – are idolized and often viewed as superhuman.
—Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
Carter's younger brother idolized him.
—Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 13 Feb. 2026
While Spielberg and Van Der Beek never officially worked together on a film or television project, the actor’s character in Dawson’s Creek idolized the director as his filmmaking hero, with Dawson’s bedroom featuring several Spielberg movie posters.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 12 Feb. 2026
The whole world loved him, idolized him.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
Once, Maye idolized Cam Newton.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2026
Her polished fashion sense, marked by sophisticated, minimalist pieces and a neutral color palette, has been idolized even decades after her death.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
Kiffin idolized Spurrier growing up.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idolized
Verb
-
Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
At Karmel Mall’s prayer hall, where hundreds worshiped daily, congregations were less than half their usual size, Sabri said.—
Yahya Salem,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
One moment they’re worshiped on social media; the next, they’re scorched.—
Kevin Sherrington
Feb. 4,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Idolized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idolized. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
