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 Soaring energy prices and inflation have added to the burden as the tourism sector struggles to draw visitors to landscapes lionized in Hollywood by Peter O’Toole, Harrison Ford and Matt Damon. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionized

Verb

While Bukele is admired by many people in Haiti for his take-charge style, his deployment has also created ripples, raising concerns about his ultimate intentions.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Huerta is also admired for being a staunch supporter of women’s and voters’ rights who didn’t shy away from pushing Washington to change policies for the better, even in later years.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of admired

Verb

Before the game, first responders were honored and both coaches made sure to express their gratitude for the swift and effective work of those who protected the communities.

— Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
The Persian Gulf state has declared force majeure — citing unexpected, uncontrollable events preventing contracts from being honored — every month since the March attack.

— Spencer Kimball,Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of honored

Verb

View this post on Instagram Stewart was also a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and praised activists like McKellen, who is gay.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2026
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised the sellout crowds at State Farm Arena for Games 3 and 4 and emphasized the opportunity to accommodate thousands more fans.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of praised

Verb

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said the right to protest must be respected as long as demonstrations remain lawful, while condemning violence, looting and occupations.

— Amanda Macias, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
What drives genuine enjoyment, loyalty, and performance are feeling that your work matters and feeling respected, supported, and connected to the people around you.

— Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of respected

Verb

Reed, venerated for his solo artistry and collaborations with the Velvet Underground, is a quintessential New York City artist of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Since at least 1389, two vials purportedly containing the saint’s blood have been venerated in Naples because of their inexplicable ability to liquefy on his feast days.

— Clare Whitton, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of venerated

Verb

Louella and Hedda were two sides of the same coin, minted in a culture that worshipped celebrity and feared moral chaos.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026
During the days leading up to Vijayadashami, the goddess Durga is worshipped in her various forms as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of worshipped

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“Lionized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionized. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of lionized

verb

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