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
That doesn't excuse lionizing a complex person and ignoring whatever controversies might have surrounded them.
—
Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Barry Goldwater thundered against centralized power, Ronald Reagan lionized hands-off government and liberty, and even Richard Nixon respected certain limits.
—Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
The father’s book excerpt lionizing suicide bombers, many of whom were aimed at Israeli civilians by Palestinian groups, resurfaced on social media Thursday night.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025
Robert Rodriguez lionizes Richard Linklater Historically one of highest of Texas Medal of Arts highlights came in 2009 when moviemaker Robert Rodriguez accepted his honor with a lively, funny speech that threw out the rules of decorum.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Barry Goldwater thundered against centralized power, Ronald Reagan lionized hands-off government and liberty, and even Richard Nixon respected certain limits.
—Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
The father’s book excerpt lionizing suicide bombers, many of whom were aimed at Israeli civilians by Palestinian groups, resurfaced on social media Thursday night.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025
Robert Rodriguez lionizes Richard Linklater Historically one of highest of Texas Medal of Arts highlights came in 2009 when moviemaker Robert Rodriguez accepted his honor with a lively, funny speech that threw out the rules of decorum.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionize
Verb
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These first drafts honoring America’s 250th Birthday and @POTUS are real.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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Also, this year’s event will honor Doug Chiang, senior vice president and executive design director of Lucasfilm, with the View Visionary Award for his contributions to the industry.—
Terry Flores,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Try the roughly two-mile Hickman Bridge Trail to admire the canyon and walk beneath the 300-foot Hickman Bridge, a natural sandstone arch.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Oct. 2025
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The mountains are awash with vibrant autumnal hues, which can be admired by driving the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, biking the Catskill Scenic Trail, or hiking the many trails with sweeping views of the area.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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At once revered and a little feared, AI is the industry’s shiny new toy and buzzword.—
Lauren Parker,
Sourcing Journal,
1 Oct. 2025
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As a schoolgirl, Muriel was revered by staff and pupils alike.—
Frances Wilson
September 23,
Literary Hub,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For all their differences in background, temperament, and approaches to art, Matisse and Picasso both venerated Cézanne, Delacroix, Manet, and van Gogh.—
Christopher C. Gorham
September 29,
Literary Hub,
29 Sep. 2025
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Advertisement Trump’s insistence on honoring these Confederates implicitly venerates their politics — and provides a justification for his own rule and ruin tactics, which so often echo them.—
Time,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Weeping delights in the exalted, the sublime, the magnificent — a symphony, a vista, megafauna, even a brilliant dissertation.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
23 Sep. 2025
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In developing proprietary colors and in-house embroideries, the late founder set a template that Shukla is exalting.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Danon added that most delegations stayed in the room and respected both Netanyahu and the state of Israel.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
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Set a realistic baseline, monitor your urine, adjust as needed, and respect heat and activity-related limits.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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After the game, Kidd praised guard Max Christie, who went 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.—
Christian Clark,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield praised the judge's ruling Sunday night.—
Joe Hernandez,
NPR,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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According to the latest statement from the Greater Manchester Police (GMP), a large number of people were worshipping at the synagogue when the attack happened at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
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Quote of the day Shakya’s 2-year-old daughter, Aryatara, was chosen in Nepal as the new living goddess worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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