LIONIZING Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

lionizing

verb

present participle of lionize

as in honoring

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 lionizing In the early days of the war, Union troops from Boston had borrowed the familiar melody of a religious camp meeting song and added new lyrics lionizing John Brown, the leader of the 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia). — Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026 That brings us back to the folly of lionizing Kent as a conscientious objector to Trump and the president’s hawkish foreign policy as of late. — David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026 Los Angeles educators were also directed to immediately shift from lionizing Chávez to honoring instead the farmworkers’ movement. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026 Gelles avoids lionizing Patagonia’s leader, describing Chouinard’s mercurial leadership style that often bewildered his staff at Patagonia. — Maya Silver, Outside, 20 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionizing

Verb

But Panettiere also has a history in a beloved video game franchise, Kingdom Hearts, and fans and cast members are honoring her.

— Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Restaurateur of the Year – honoring a chef, cook and/or restaurant owner with significant impact on local food and the larger culinary community.

— Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of honoring

Verb

Luk points to films of the 1970s, admiring their willingness to move between modes contemporary cinema can sometimes keep separate.

— Callum McLennan, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
After long admiring the likes of Hurricanes great Edgerrin James and Clinton Portis — plus Sean Taylor, if including non-running backs — Fletcher now sees his name associated with them in UM lore.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of admiring

Verb

This oversized sweater vest that comes in sizes S–XXL and 24 colors has earned more than 600 five-star ratings, with multiple reviewers praising its softness and flattering V-neckline.

— Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
This is more than a little unfair since the critics were praising a lot of genuinely groundbreaking music of the time, and Elton’s newest LP, Rock of the Westies, was underwhelming, especially considering everything that came before it.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of praising

Verb

In time, generations of directors and studio execs who came up revering trailblazing path set by 1970s New Hollywood titans like Coppola would come to fundamentally see the sequel in a different light as a result.

— Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026
Our history is complex but acknowledging its complexity shouldn't be considered inconsistent with loving our country and revering its founders.

— New York Times, New York Times, 11 June 2026

Definition of revering

Verb

Jellicle Ball joins that lineage, inviting its audience to experience the joys of the Black and Latino ball scene while venerating its bittersweet roots.

— Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 2026
Exquisite dribblers such as Olise need protecting and venerating.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026

Definition of venerating

Verb

Max’s arrival is particularly propitious because Max is still sore from Nathan’s betrayal, so if Max can get on Joe’s good side by respecting his authority, Joe can reward him with the lead position.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
The opportunity is not just earning more, but respecting what your time requires.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of respecting

Verb

This has been an awesome showcase of American community, with our own USMNT support and other countries’ diasporas springing up exalting watch parties all over the place.

— Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 19 July 2026
The story goes that Balanchine was so struck by the multi-colored glow of the jewelry displays at the Van Cleef & Arpels New York showroom that this led him to create a dance exalting their beauty.

— Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026

Definition of exalting

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lionizes

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“Lionizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionizing. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lionizing

verb

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