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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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the 250-foot height will honor America's 250 years of existence.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Pennsylvania representatives Tim O'Neal and Bud Cook hosted the Bentworth soccer team on Wednesday in Harrisburg, where they were honored inside the Capitol.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There are so many exquisite, Netherlandish, hyperreal details to admire in the piece—the shadow of Giovanna’s necklace, the enamel decorations on her cross, the frizz of her hair—but there’s something about the ribbon that feels like a banner of heartbreak.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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Ellis admires the passion and win-first mentality Nico Iamaleava brings to his position.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nicknamed Wilmywood, Wilmington has long been revered by Hollywood for its mild temperatures and versatility—and recently, travelers have begun to take note.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
12 Apr. 2026
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The epic is revered by Hindus as a sacred devotional text.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Jellicle Ball joins that lineage, inviting its audience to experience the joys of the Black and Latino ball scene while venerating its bittersweet roots.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Apr. 2026
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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
Verb
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Beyond a glaring betrayal of the medium the Drafthouse once sought to exalt, the QR policy single-handedly reduces the theater from a sacred space to just another room, which is an illusion that even AMC nominally pledges to maintain.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2026
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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
Verb
-
Be aware of this and respect your need for more rest.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 Apr. 2026
-
If travel beckons, research costs early, set clear limits, and pick dates that respect your real energy levels.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The response was praised by Republican politicians, who widely denounced the content of the chats, which was filled with slurs for Black, Jewish and gay people and included graphic calls for violence against Black people.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
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Cornice headboards are trending again, praised for a classic, layered look.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Cage fans already knew the actor could play twisted roles well, but his demented performance as the Satan-worshipping killer still disturbed and delighted audiences.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
14 Apr. 2026
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There’s even a Sikh gurdwara on-site for the staff and anyone else who wants to visit or worship.—
David Williams,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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