LIONIZE Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

lionize

verb

Definition of lionize

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.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 lionize Popular culture really likes to lionize chosen families. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 9 June 2026 While other sporting events have similar impacts on one or a few countries, none sweep up dozens of nations — and perhaps entire continents — like the World Cup. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 8 June 2026 So how can an album that condemns Israel and lionizes IRA tactics feel so fun? — David Harris, SPIN, 30 Apr. 2026 Nursing has long been lionized as one of the most stable and safe professions for young graduates to pursue. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lionize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionize

Verb

The community will gather across from crime scene at the church to honor a man who appeared to get caught up in something that had nothing to do with him.

— Jermont Terry, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Seven months after legendary director Rob Reiner and his wife, photographer Michele Singer, were killed, their children Jake and Romy Reiner stepped up to the plate at Dodgers Stadium to honor them.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of honor

Verb

This, too, was a kind of misapprehension, in that his boss admired him for being so upbeat despite living in such a family when in fact Shigejiro had no individuality at all.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
The top-notch cocktails menu at the on-site restaurant, The Perch, comes with panoramic mountain views to admire while sipping.

— Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of admire

Verb

With the exception of Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan, the collection of countries is notable for not having the most revered of navies.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026
This project, scientists hope, could even potentially revive a wild species revered by local Tibetans as a favorite of the land god.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Definition of revere

Verb

Other venerated South Side joints included Pepper’s Lounge, the Dew Drop Inn, and Theresa’s Lounge, the latter of which was tucked away in the basement of an apartment building.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
Not asked enough by those who venerated Graham is why in death the patriot’s name must be associated with what’s so inimical to American prosperity and freedom.

— John Tamny, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of venerate

Verb

This has been an awesome showcase of American community, with our own USMNT support and other countries’ diasporas springing up exalting watch parties all over the place.

— Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Mary’s valley of sin was exalted and Simon’s mountain of pride was made low through the love of God.

— Eric Bashor, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026

Definition of exalt

Verb

During nine years as Manchester mayor, Burnham was praised standing up to central government on behalf of a proud, battle-scarred northern city that gave birth to the Industrial Revolution, movements for social change and a dynamic music scene.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
He’s been praised openly by his fellow receivers, cornerback Jaycee Horn and head coach Dave Canales over the past few days.

— Mike Kaye July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

Definition of praise

Verb

People have been kidnapped while driving on interstate roads, while worshipping at church, and while sleeping in their homes.

— Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Luckily, there are plenty of sun and heat-worshipping flowers that can stand up to and thrive in August weather.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of worship

Browse Nearby Words

lionizations

lionize

lionized

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of lionize

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on lionize

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

torpor

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes