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
In Trumpworld, he is lionized, ubiquitous, as loyal to the President in his way as Stephen Miller.
—
David Remnick, New Yorker, 22 May 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
Some people have lionized Mangione as a sort of vigilante hero.
—ABC News, 19 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
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
Today, though, Oppenheimer is lionized while Bush is little known outside a small circle of historians, computer scientists, and policy thinkers.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2024
David Remnick, New Yorker, 22 May 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
Some people have lionized Mangione as a sort of vigilante hero.
—ABC News, 19 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
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
Today, though, Oppenheimer is lionized while Bush is little known outside a small circle of historians, computer scientists, and policy thinkers.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionized
Verb
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As two of the most famous pop songwriters in the world, Swift and McCartney have admired each another’s work from afar over the years.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
3 June 2026
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The mural stood for nearly three decades before workers began painting over it last month, causing an uproar among residents who admired the mural’s grand scale and message of ocean conservation.—
Russ Bynum,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
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That helps explain why he was so touched to be honored with the statue that will forever stand outside Toni Stone Stadium.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
-
In May 2025, Nadal was honored at the French Open with a plaque commemorating his 14 wins at the tournament.—
Skyler Trepel,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Widely regarded as one of California’s most important architects, Bernard Maybeck is revered for his rich designs ranging from bohemian clubhouses and woodland residences.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
-
Radio stars of the era were as revered as modern movie stars, so money-making opportunities were plenty.—
Jonathan Rowe,
SPIN,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Universal City Police Chief Johnny Siemens praised the swift response by officers and partner agencies.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
-
Bernardino Couñago, the firm’s co-founder and CEO, praised the potential of the solar platform.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Well, Hartman’s decision was not respected.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2026
-
Along with its parent company Citizens of Humanity, it's respected in the fashion industry for its focus on regenerative cotton farming.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The backstory The Ritz-Carlton Maldives opening is bittersweet for followers of Kerry Hill, the late, venerated Australian architect responsible for some of the most legendary hotels in the last quarter-century (including several Aman properties and The Datai Langkawi).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
And the qualities that once stigmatized the sport are now venerated by the White House.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
For decades your homepage was the front door, and brands worshipped Google to be found.—
Lutz Finger,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
-
Those critics referenced the golden calf idol worshipped by the Israelites before Moses returned from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments in the Book of Exodus.—
Joseph Konig,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lionized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionized. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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