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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Taking in the scene, star gallerist Emmanuel Perrotin admired the décor–which incorporated a wall of kimberlite, the host rock for natural diamonds—as well as one-of-a-kind art works on display.—
Tina Isaac-Goizé,
Vogue,
28 Jan. 2026
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Though the Durutti Column had been a disaster, Wilson was fascinated by the guitarist, who admired punk’s willfulness even though his own musical taste tended toward jazz, blues, and the classical tradition.—
Brad Shoup,
Pitchfork,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Press, who played the last three seasons of her professional career with Angel City FC, was honored during the pregame ceremony.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
25 Jan. 2026
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Other nearby temples also honored this famous hero, who is considered the protector of Rome.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Moore said Helmig was a man respected and revered throughout Kentucky.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
28 Jan. 2026
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Throughout his career, Vō was revered for his talents as a colorist, collaborating with some of the most celebrated blondes in the business, from Paltrow to Britney Spears, Katherine Heigl and beyond.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And in a return of goodwill, Gun Owners of America praised him for withholding judgment on the facts of the case.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
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Aliso Niguel coach Keith Barnett praised the effort of his freshman point guard, Iribarne.—
Martin Henderson,
Oc Register,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected.—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Jan. 2026
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In Europe, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and act responsibly, stressing that international law and the UN Charter must be respected.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
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One example of a prominent woman in these writings is Thecla, venerated for her persistence, courage and influence.—
Christy Cobb,
The Conversation,
16 Jan. 2026
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Yoji shared that venerated director Akira Kurosawa always said that the camera should never be on stage when shooting a kabuki performance, nor move around to get close to the actors.—
Sara Merican,
Deadline,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The flames then moved toward the sanctuary, where congregants worshipped.—
Jason Carroll,
CNN Money,
18 Jan. 2026
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Irish, Italian, German, and Polish communities each worshipped—in Latin—at their own churches, often within blocks of one another.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lionized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionized. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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