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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Recent Examples of lionized
That was under a government led by the founders of the state, and much lionized by liberal Zionists.
—
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025
On Sunday, he was lionized as a Christian martyr and patriot committed to free expression and challenging liberal orthodoxy.
—Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
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
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
Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2025
On Sunday, he was lionized as a Christian martyr and patriot committed to free expression and challenging liberal orthodoxy.
—Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionized
Verb
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Lots of boys wanted to be like him, to be accepted, given attention, admired and loved by teachers, but the rest of us were looked down upon.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
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The jury admired the magical character design, use of animals as complex character archetypes, and sophisticated framing and movement that all create the mysterious adult world the young protagonist navigates.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This year’s festival also honored a host of industry icons and rising stars.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
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During the event, Erika Kirk, Turning Point USA CEO and widow of late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will be honored with the inaugural Charlie Kirk legacy award.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Her talents in that regard are catching up to the appreciation for her vocal chops, as evidenced in how she was nominated at the most recent Americana Honors & Awards for Emerging Act of the Year, kudos that wouldn’t come if she was only revered as a vocal stylist.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
21 Oct. 2025
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Mothers are both revered and sort of ignored in society.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
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When speaking to cohost Julianne Hough before receiving her scores, Earle praised her partner for providing the same kind of tough, yet helpful feedback that Burke was about to offer.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
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Redditors in the comment section were appreciative of the woman’s lighthearted attitude about the mix-up and praised her for being understanding.—
Emily Rella,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Mangold was a fan-favorite as well as a beloved member of the Jets in the locker room, respected by his teammates and coaches since he was drafted 29th overall in the 2006 class out of Ohio State.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
26 Oct. 2025
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And again, the big thing was seriously weakening Iran to a point where they no longer are respected.—
TIME Staff,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This is something new in the techno-sphere that for the longest time elevated and venerated the founder/CEO as superstar.—
Neil Senturia,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Oct. 2025
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Now, the singer has dropped her Folded Homage Pack EP of remixes that venerated musicians Brandy, Toni Braxton, JoJo, Tank, and Mario previously teased on social media, with a new addition from Ne-Yo as well.—
Mankaprr Conteh,
Rolling Stone,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In the Isan region of Thailand, an ancestral spirit named Ba Yan has been worshiped by villagers for generations.—
Michael Lee Simpson,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
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Sanskrit speakers worshipped Dyaus Pitr, or Sky Father.—
Manvir Singh,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lionized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionized. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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