as in heroes
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
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Recent Examples of idols
While every detail about the fictional K-pop groups’ lives was not 100 percent accurate — just ask BTS member Jungkook or any of the other K-pop idols who loved and dissected the film for fans — KPDH allowed those working behind-the-scenes in the space a moment in the spotlight.
—
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
Arguably television’s premier singing competition show, this cultural institution has given America many idols over its 24 seasons, including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood — the latter of whom has returned as a judge.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Two Billie Eilish boomerang idols are active heading into episode 3.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 11 Mar. 2026
The traditional music business was collapsing, as the internet cut into CD sales while letting listeners elevate their own niche idols.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
The term idols become rivals could apply here, but their brotherhood through their Duke ties keeps their bond strong.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
As the youngest member of BLACKPINK, Lisa has been shipped with many idols.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 27 Feb. 2026
Fans have voted on idols, challenges, advantages, tribe swaps, tribal colors, and even whether or not castaways will get rice during their 26-day competition.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Feb. 2026
Fans can participate in a nationwide scavenger hunt to find 50 hidden immunity idols.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Feb. 2026
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
Arguably television’s premier singing competition show, this cultural institution has given America many idols over its 24 seasons, including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood — the latter of whom has returned as a judge.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Two Billie Eilish boomerang idols are active heading into episode 3.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 11 Mar. 2026
The traditional music business was collapsing, as the internet cut into CD sales while letting listeners elevate their own niche idols.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
The term idols become rivals could apply here, but their brotherhood through their Duke ties keeps their bond strong.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
As the youngest member of BLACKPINK, Lisa has been shipped with many idols.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 27 Feb. 2026
Fans have voted on idols, challenges, advantages, tribe swaps, tribal colors, and even whether or not castaways will get rice during their 26-day competition.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Feb. 2026
Fans can participate in a nationwide scavenger hunt to find 50 hidden immunity idols.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idols
Noun
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised them as American heroes.—
Kiki Intarasuwan,
CBS News,
15 Mar. 2026
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Since then, he’s been considered a painter’s painter — capturing jazz icons, heroes from his Mexican heritage, his wife and his own recognizable bearded face — while also staging gonzo solo shows featuring live music, DJing and a faux Mercedes that’s half instrument, half sculpture.—
Michael Slenske,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Writer-director Joey Power brought her back for an offering to the rom-com gods, which both say are underserved in the current marketplace.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2026
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That prospect alone is a good incentive to live at least long enough to witness their gods’ apocalypse.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Idols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idols. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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