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 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
And often the reaction is either to lionize these folks for their mountain accomplishments or demonize them those same pursuits.
—Outside Online, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lionize
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
And often the reaction is either to lionize these folks for their mountain accomplishments or demonize them those same pursuits.
—Outside Online, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionize
Verb
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Nearby was a bronze statue of FIU student Alexa Duran, who was killed, and pillars honoring the five other victims.—
Johane Saintil,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
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The top vote-getter will be honored at an April 15 ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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There are three bronze vases, which are lovely to admire but have too many openings to actually hold water.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
23 Mar. 2026
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That’s roughly as bright as Venus, which many stargazers admired with the unaided eye during last month’s planet parade.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Outside,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Besides commercial success, Bollywood has enormous cultural clout, shaping social norms, defining pop cultures and creating stars revered not only India but in the diaspora worldwide.—
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
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John Tui voices Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams plays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen is Moana’s revered Gramma Tala.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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They were venerated as their tribes’ leaders.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
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Exquisite dribblers such as Olise need protecting and venerating.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
11 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
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This is your chance to ensure your time and money are respected.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
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An Arlington police spokesperson wrote in a statement that the department respects the grand jury’s decision.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 21,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Chief of Police Christopher Cook praised the collaborative effort and said the case required extensive investigation, strong partnerships and quick work by the department's investigative team.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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Quercus in Gay, Georgia, was awarded Best New Hotel Design 2026 by Tablet Hotels, praised for its distinctive blend of regenerative farming and 3,800 acres of forest and pasture.—
Olivia Wakim,
AJC.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Neglecting himself to worship a projection, Narcissus isn’t so much struck down by the gods as he is lost to hopeless delusion.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
20 Mar. 2026
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Every aide should worship at the great Ernie Zampese’s feet.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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