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
To see that kind of big-budget artistry properly lionized, given some of the duds the Academy has recognized in recent years—I’m looking at you, Green Book—felt like a true triumph.
—
David Sims, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
In some cases, books that failed to lionize fallen Irish heroes were put on the chopping block.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
Keïta is lionized in the photo world, and in the art world at large, and rightfully so.
—Zoë Hopkins, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
Weberman’s early release would place him back into a community that not only protects, but lionizes him.
—Guila Benchimol, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lionize
David Sims, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
In some cases, books that failed to lionize fallen Irish heroes were put on the chopping block.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
Keïta is lionized in the photo world, and in the art world at large, and rightfully so.
—Zoë Hopkins, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
Weberman’s early release would place him back into a community that not only protects, but lionizes him.
—Guila Benchimol, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionize
Verb
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At a balloon release in November 2024 honoring his memory, family members described Williams, who ran his own carpet-cleaning business, as a hardworking, kind, gentle man devoted to his family and faith.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
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After more than 11 years with the Golden Police Department, Chief Joe Harvey was honored by colleagues, friends and family for his service and compassion.—
Karen Morfitt,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This is a lovely array of dresses, and it is pulled from a collection that DAM’s fans and supporters can easily admire.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Bluhm, a sophomore outside, admires his senior teammate.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The rest are bars where cocktail-making is revered.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
30 Mar. 2026
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She’s especially revered in Shiite Islam because of her kinship with the imams.—
Mary Thurlkill,
The Conversation,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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There, at the present-day Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a bishop held up the cross for several hours as the faithful venerated it.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
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Redemptive suffering Shared sorrow is a key part of Iran’s Twelver Shiite identity, which venerates the Prophet Muhammad’s family through daughter Fatima and cousin and son-in-law, Ali.—
Mary Thurlkill,
The Conversation,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The story goes that Balanchine was so struck by the multi-colored glow of the jewelry displays at the Van Cleef & Arpels New York showroom that this led him to create a dance exalting their beauty.—
Guillermo Perez,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2026
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In her endeavor to exalt such a bleak world, Zuniga seems to be battling herself.—
Vrinda Jagota,
Pitchfork,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The president has always cared more about winning than he’s cared about respecting the rules of competition.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Apr. 2026
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In their households, qualities like independence and creativity typically take a backseat to respect and obedience.—
Kelley King Heyworth,
Parents,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Dewitt also praised JaCorey Stewart’s speed.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Then praised Illini Nation for its support.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Romans worshipped power and dominance.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
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The congregation worshiped on Palm Sunday at the Elgin History Museum.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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