as in to honor
to treat (someone) as a very important and famous person
She was lionized everywhere after her novel won the Pulitzer Prize.
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Recent Examples of lionize
In the years after the attack, Trump lionized the Jan. 6 attackers and praised Babbitt as a martyr to his MAGA cause.
—
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025
The idea that famous women tend to be either lionized or vilified certainly hasn’t grown less accurate over the past century.
—Dorothy Fortenberry, The Atlantic, 12 May 2025
The only exception of course is the intersex pope (who – surprise! – has female reproductive parts) & the cardinal who keeps her secret – bc of course that kind of Catholic secret-keeping must be lionized.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025
Lee and his friends rejected the intellectuals and politicians who lionized or apologized for communist tyranny.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 21 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025
The idea that famous women tend to be either lionized or vilified certainly hasn’t grown less accurate over the past century.
—Dorothy Fortenberry, The Atlantic, 12 May 2025
The only exception of course is the intersex pope (who – surprise! – has female reproductive parts) & the cardinal who keeps her secret – bc of course that kind of Catholic secret-keeping must be lionized.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025
Lee and his friends rejected the intellectuals and politicians who lionized or apologized for communist tyranny.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 21 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionize
Verb
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Heat shooting coach Rob Fodor recently was honored by Hillsdale College with an award for Outstanding Achievement in Professional Athletics.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
5 July 2025
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This conversation honors the deeply personal and generational journey of embracing natural beauty.—
Essence,
Essence,
5 July 2025
Verb
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Another thing Berlanga cannot do is admire his power shots.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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Even those who didn't know him well admired him for his dedication to the school and the team.—
Craig Shoup,
The Tennessean,
11 July 2025
Verb
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My parents revered her not just as an author, but an origin point: the mother of a genre, the teenage girl who changed literature forever.—
Daphne Woolsoncroft,
People.com,
8 July 2025
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The music itself might not be that remarkable, nor will it be remembered for big hits, but it will likely be revered for taking big emotional swings.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
8 July 2025
Verb
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To read about the polymath was to marvel at how much he was venerated by the best and seemingly brightest.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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In the post, Ramaswamy said America has venerated mediocrity.—
Scott Wartman,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Verb
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The show is also designed to exalt Avignon’s many attractions, with a monumental gold archway erected on its partial medieval bridge (only four arches survive) to works housed in 10 museums, all free to enter.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
28 June 2025
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Over in the House of Representatives chamber, the decor exalts legislative landmarks.—
Fara Dabhoiwala,
Harpers Magazine,
4 June 2025
Verb
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Thank you for understanding and respecting our wishes during this deeply personal time.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
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That’s where dynamic leadership comes into play: Harada understood and cared for his workers, respecting the local culture and giving them space to be themselves, while at the same time maintaining his Japanese traditions and introducing them into an American context.—
IESE Business School,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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When Powell delivered his semiannual monetary policy report to Congress earlier this month, he was praised by some lawmakers for refusing to delve into politics by avoiding any response to Trump’s attacks.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
30 June 2025
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In the days since the video was shared online, TikTok users have praised Row's husband for being so patient.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Baseball fans, especially those who worship the New York Yankees, may want to contemplate a move to Florida.—
Madeleine Marr
July 3,
Miami Herald,
3 July 2025
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The religious display of the Lady of Guadalupe in lights at the factory, Maria’s prayer table, my own religious statues outside my home, and the plastic Virgin Mary in yards are merely means to the end — worshiping God and thanking him for our existence, salvation and his abundant mercy.—
Judy Knotts,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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