as in heroes
a person who is the object of extreme or uncritical devotion
a movie star whose portrayal of a comic book superhero in a blockbuster series has made him the idol of millions
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of idols
With animation by Sony Pictures Imageworks, dynamic choreography combined with powerful vocals makes Rumi, Mira, and Zoey feel like real K-Pop idols, even though the audience knows they are animated.
—
Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Never meet your idols is a common phrase about your celebrity role models.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 24 Aug. 2025
While her two siblings remain influential to her game, Pareja also noted Spanish legend Rafael Nadal as one of her biggest idols.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
KPop Demon Hunters is an American production, but it has been accepted by Korean audiences (and real-life K-pop idols), who appreciate the cultural authenticity in the film.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 21 Aug. 2025
Some of his idols, OGs like Lynn Martinez, Belkys Nerey, Patrick Fraser are still working there.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
His idols include Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler and his parents.
—Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2025
From Murphy’s instincts as a casting visionary to Palmer’s action-hero transformation and Davidson’s reflections on learning from one of his idols, the conversation is full of candid moments and behind-the-scenes gems.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 6 Aug. 2025
In a system where most idols begin their training and careers as teenagers, fans often become the closest witnesses to someone’s growth — watching from the very beginning as these artists find their voice, their confidence, and their place in the world.
—Billboard Korea, Billboard, 4 Aug. 2025
Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Never meet your idols is a common phrase about your celebrity role models.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 24 Aug. 2025
While her two siblings remain influential to her game, Pareja also noted Spanish legend Rafael Nadal as one of her biggest idols.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
KPop Demon Hunters is an American production, but it has been accepted by Korean audiences (and real-life K-pop idols), who appreciate the cultural authenticity in the film.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 21 Aug. 2025
Some of his idols, OGs like Lynn Martinez, Belkys Nerey, Patrick Fraser are still working there.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025
His idols include Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler and his parents.
—Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2025
From Murphy’s instincts as a casting visionary to Palmer’s action-hero transformation and Davidson’s reflections on learning from one of his idols, the conversation is full of candid moments and behind-the-scenes gems.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 6 Aug. 2025
In a system where most idols begin their training and careers as teenagers, fans often become the closest witnesses to someone’s growth — watching from the very beginning as these artists find their voice, their confidence, and their place in the world.
—Billboard Korea, Billboard, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idols
Noun
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But before Prater became one of the unlikeliest heroes of Bills lore, destined to be referenced for decades in one of the most memorable games in the history of what’s soon to be the old Highmark Stadium, his teammates had a sneaky feeling.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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A couple who luckily spotted a truck leaving a box on the side of the road became heroes for 16 puppies.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In a recent interview with Mark Radcliffe on The Folk Show on BBC Radio 2, the former Led Zeppelin frontman described the group’s live performances in starkly human terms – and as far from the flawless rock gods many fans remember.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Who says the football gods don’t have a sense of humor?—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idols. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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