as in to adore
to love or admire too much
she blindly idolized her older sister, refusing to acknowledge any of her faults
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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 idolize
Growing up, McIlroy idolized the 82-time PGA Tour winner and aimed to emulate his game after Woods.
—
Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
The kid in question was Dustin Pedroia, who Murphy coached at Arizona State from 2002-04, and who Durbin idolized growing up.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
While Willis, an Atlanta native who idolized Michael Vick growing up, attempts to downplay his mobility, the people around him, those who have coached him, view it as his superpower.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
McGonigle grew up idolizing Phillies legend Chase Utley, who is going into the club's Wall of Fame in August.
—Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idolize
Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
The kid in question was Dustin Pedroia, who Murphy coached at Arizona State from 2002-04, and who Durbin idolized growing up.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
While Willis, an Atlanta native who idolized Michael Vick growing up, attempts to downplay his mobility, the people around him, those who have coached him, view it as his superpower.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
McGonigle grew up idolizing Phillies legend Chase Utley, who is going into the club's Wall of Fame in August.
—Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idolize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idolize
Verb
-
Alexander said the children adore Chapman.—
Graham Womack
May 3,
Sacbee.com,
3 May 2026
-
Hummingbirds adore the red varieties, while native bees and butterflies are always buzzing about the blooms.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
But although resistance is similarly futile, their goals are less about assimilation than worshipping the obsessive Grant's wife, Starla (Elizabeth Banks).—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
-
The task force — which included numerous Cabinet secretaries — didn't accuse the Biden administration of any large pattern of suppressing churches themselves or the right to worship.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Melvin likes to use thrifted trays to hold jewelry.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
6 May 2026
-
In 1991 — peak Captain Planet and the Planeteers — Turner won the Audubon medal from the National Audubon Society, a conservation group that really likes birds.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Idolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idolize. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
