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
Keïta is lionized in the photo world, and in the art world at large, and rightfully so.
—
Zoë Hopkins, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
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
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
By the late 18th century, he had been lionized as a national hero who established the first, lasting European contact with the continent.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Zoë Hopkins, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
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
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
By the late 18th century, he had been lionized as a national hero who established the first, lasting European contact with the continent.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionized
Verb
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Each of them is more like functional art, as much to be admired as played, the time and effort required to produce such masterful designs self-evident.—
Mark Ellwood,
Robb Report,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Some admired her journalistic mettle; others, including Martha at first, could not take her seriously (those tinkling bracelets).—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Since his death last month, Jackson’s family and allies have honored the late reverend with commemorations, community service and demonstrations in an effort to continue his work.—
Matt Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
-
In the following weeks, Chinese media visited the center to report on how its then president had been honored by Xi’s reply.—
Chang Che,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Cast Paints a Picture Several former SNL cast members weigh in during the trailer, and their comments sketch a portrait of a boss who is equal parts revered and inscrutable.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Supporters group The Rose City Riveters are revered around the world for their effervescent support, tifos and loyalty in the stadium’s North End.—
Theo Lloyd-Hughes,
New York Times,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Mandel, who sells media rights to many of the biggest tennis tournaments in the world, praised the company for focusing on storytelling and turning the streaming service into the home for tennis.—
Lucas Shaw,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
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Deb Banks, executive director of Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates also praised the move, saying that a complete closure during the pilot would be better than having streets closed to traffic only on certain days.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Your careful eye helps each person feel seen and respected.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The international nonprofit’s mission is to promote the art quilt as a creative visual work that is layered and stitched with a vision that the art quilt be universally respected as a fine art medium.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Dozens of firearms also were recovered, including handguns with images of Santa Muerte (a Mexican folk saint venerated by drug dealers) and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
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In ancient Greece certain mortals who had achieved kleos (glory or fame) in life were venerated in death.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
At Karmel Mall’s prayer hall, where hundreds worshiped daily, congregations were less than half their usual size, Sabri said.—
Yahya Salem,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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One moment they’re worshiped on social media; the next, they’re scorched.—
Kevin Sherrington
Feb. 4,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lionized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionized. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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