as in to honor
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 lionize
That might be a good thing—if this particular online subculture didn't lionize such violent people and actions.
—
Sarah Scott, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025
And unlike their American peers, who tend to lionize founders — think of all the hagiographies of Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, etc.
—Eric Markowitz, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2025
The youngest to accomplish something are often lionized, and impatience sets in if success is seen to take too long.
—Tania Ganguli, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
The alleged perpetrator, Luigi Mangione, received an outpouring of support, lionized by many on the internet.
—Onkar Ghate, Orange County Register, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Sarah Scott, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025
And unlike their American peers, who tend to lionize founders — think of all the hagiographies of Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, etc.
—Eric Markowitz, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2025
The youngest to accomplish something are often lionized, and impatience sets in if success is seen to take too long.
—Tania Ganguli, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
The alleged perpetrator, Luigi Mangione, received an outpouring of support, lionized by many on the internet.
—Onkar Ghate, Orange County Register, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionize
Verb
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His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, chose his papal name to show his commitment to peace and reconciliation by honoring St. Benedict and Pope Benedict XV, who was head of the church during World War I, Temple said.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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In 2023, the gala honored the late designer Karl Lagerfeld, with references to his unique style and combination of black, white and leather, as well as his beloved cat Choupette.—
Renee Anderson,
CBS News,
4 May 2025
Verb
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Arrive early for a stroll around the Presidio’s gorgeous grounds, admire the view and check out the wide array of food trucks on the scene.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
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Former Leicester and Roma chief scout Jose Fontes has long been admired by TFG, while Kinnear is likely to play a key role in the hiring process.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Dolphins are one of the smartest animals on Earth and have been revered for thousands of years for their intelligence, emotions and social interaction with humans.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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Encouraging indicators The arcane but revered Zweig breadth thrust triggered Thursday, a clustering of extreme positive breadth days that arise after oversold conditions.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The next day, Good Friday, people attended solemn local liturgies to venerate — or at some events, carry their own — crosses.—
Allyson Vergara,
Oc Register,
20 Apr. 2025
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The hall was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, though pilgrims have venerated the site as early as the 4th century.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Vatican has for centuries sought to exalt faith through art, building monuments to biblical figures and church leaders.—
Alan Yuhas,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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Students and staff at Florida State University came together in a peaceful vigil and serene outdoor service on Holy Saturday to exalt their strong sense of community after a shooting sent shockwaves across the campus of nearly 45,000 students.—
Kati Weis,
CBS News,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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He is well respected by the community and represents the very best of our next generation of leaders.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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During the first tone-setting 100 days of Trump’s second presidency, reaching a ceasefire agreement that’s respected by both sides — let alone a peace deal — has arguably been much harder than the White House leader had anticipated.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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More recently, Brady praised Patrick and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the Chiefs duo surpassed Brady and Rob Gronkowski’s record for postseason touchdowns by a pair in NFL history in 2024.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
3 May 2025
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With over 12,300 reviews and a 4.8-star average rating, shoppers praise the shirt’s softness, comfort, and moisture-wicking abilities.—
Kayla Kitts,
Travel + Leisure,
3 May 2025
Verb
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Greeks, Jews, Romans — rich and poor — all worshipped together in homes and built close relationships with one another.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2025
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His father worshipped guitarists from the Delta and even wanted to name his son after the Mississippian Albert King but was outvoted by his wife, who named him after Beethoven.—
Tim Greiving,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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