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

This structure provides favorable tax treatment and keeps the collection intact, honoring the collector's vision.

— Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
The drummer added that Roth taking offense to the idea of honoring Eddie upset him, and the two got into a fight.

— Rachel DeSantis, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of honoring

Verb

But a pile of options is not a decision, and an afternoon spent admiring abundance is not the same as an afternoon spent earning a verdict.

— Dr. Mario García, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Their headlamps piercing the watery dark, the group swims along (only Sara has accepted a life jacket), admiring the bats and stalactites while Wat reminds them to respect the caves.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of admiring

Verb

The 2016 Indy 500 winner conducted the maiden validation test, praising the car's exceptional build quality and predictable, rewarding handling.

— Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Since separating, the two have remained amicable co-parents, often praising one another in interviews.

— Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 31 July 2026

Definition of praising

Verb

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
What these men accomplished is worth remembering and revering even as their number dwindles.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 27 May 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

For brands, understanding this complexity is paramount; success requires authentic engagement, respecting the plant's deep legacy, and building genuine community trust.

— Peter Su, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Organizations and officials across the continent have vied to find a balance between respecting freedom of speech and protecting their democracies, including the Venice Biennale’s controversial decision to allow Russia to participate.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of respecting

Verb

People have been kidnapped while driving on interstate roads, while worshipping at church, and while sleeping in their homes.

— Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Luckily, there are plenty of sun and heat-worshipping flowers that can stand up to and thrive in August weather.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of worshipping

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

Browse Nearby Words

lionizes

lionizing

lions

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“Lionizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionizing. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of lionizing

verb

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