LIONIZED Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

lionized

verb

past tense of lionize

as in admired

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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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 lionized Fauci, 85, truly one of humanity’s great public health heroes, will be lionized in history long after mediocrities like Paul, Uthmeier and Scott have been relegated to footnotes. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026 Greenspan was the rare celebrity among central bankers, lionized for his economic stewardship in the 1990s — and a reputation tarnished by the global financial crisis of 2008. — June 22, NPR, 22 June 2026 Jay Cooke, who had once been lionized for his role in financing the Union victory, was attacked in the press and accused of cheating ordinary Americans out of their savings. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 15 June 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 His work here should be respected, not lionized. — Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026 Some people have lionized Mangione as a sort of vigilante hero. — CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026 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 Conservatives memorialize Kirk as 'martyr' and 'warrior' Kirk was lionized by several speakers as a modern-day martyr, many using the word in the context of his Christian faith. — Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionized

Verb

Inter’s desire to bring in Jones is growing, and Cody Gakpo is admired by several clubs, including Tottenham, although there’s no intent at Liverpool to sell.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of admired

Verb

Before the service in Kyiv, Yukov was mourned and honored in his hometown of Sloviansk in Donetsk province.

— Scott Neuman, NPR, 8 Aug. 2026
The Porter County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday honored the Kouts varsity baseball team for its Division 1A championship earlier this summer.

— Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of honored

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 revered

Verb

Despite heartbreaking moments, like MJ not remembering him, the movie is praised for its emotional depth, action, and Tom Holland's irreplaceable portrayal, culminating in a bittersweet ending where a handshake offers a glimmer of hope.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
This could leave you feeling confused whether you’re being praised, tested or politely managed.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of praised

Verb

Sometimes, Pisces are unaware of the TLC surrounding them, only to learn that they are revered and respected.

— Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Public safety works best when every community member feels respected, heard and confident their Sheriff’s Office serves everyone fairly.

— Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of respected

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 venerated

Verb

His mother, who worshipped Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, never missed one of FDR’s fireside chats.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026
Two former teachers, who taught religion in the classroom and worshiped with their students, at different Catholic schools in California were fired.

— Devna Bose, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of worshipped

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“Lionized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionized. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lionized

verb

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