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
When Stewart did fall from grace, however, the celebrity culture that had embraced and lionized her bit back.
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Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
Gale lionized the idea of the county sheriff as a protector of the ordinary citizen who had the power to call up posses or militias to root out communism, fight the desegregation of schools, and remove—or even execute—federal officials.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 24 Oct. 2024
By the time Honor Killed the Samurai dropped in 2016, Ka was now lionized as a cult favorite by younger rappers like Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE, both of whom considered his later-in-life ascent, especially his focus on craft over output, aspirational.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2024
As badly as he had been treated at the end of his life, in death, Greeley was lionized for his accomplishments.
—Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lionize 
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024
Gale lionized the idea of the county sheriff as a protector of the ordinary citizen who had the power to call up posses or militias to root out communism, fight the desegregation of schools, and remove—or even execute—federal officials.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 24 Oct. 2024
By the time Honor Killed the Samurai dropped in 2016, Ka was now lionized as a cult favorite by younger rappers like Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE, both of whom considered his later-in-life ascent, especially his focus on craft over output, aspirational.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2024
As badly as he had been treated at the end of his life, in death, Greeley was lionized for his accomplishments.
—Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lionize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionize
Verb
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This can be to honor a government official, military service member or first-responder.Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024
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Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Vanessa Bryant continues to honor her husband's legacy over four years after he and his daughter Gianna's untimely death.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Arrive before December 31st to admire the enchanting Christmas decorations that adorn all the streets.Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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After a short boat ride, guests dispersed to admire dolphins rollicking in the marsh’s winding waterways.Jennifer Hope Choi, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The emo band’s sophomore album took a turn toward shoegaze and post-punk that, while unexpected, was eventually revered by fans.Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 10 Dec. 2024
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In her original cultural context, she was revered as a symbol of power and change.Anita Kopacz, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The first woman to lead Mexico is also Mexico's first president of Jewish ancestry, notable in a country whose Spanish colonial roots are Catholic and millions venerate the Virgin of Guadalupe.Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 1 Oct. 2024
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Cacao was used by the pre-Columbian populations of the Maya and Aztecs, who venerated it as a sacred food.Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Whatever happened to exalting the Thinker over the armored knight?Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2024
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Still, others found these movies critical of science while also exalting it.Salama Udaipurwala, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
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At the time, these myths included assumptions that Millennials were lazy, lacked work ethic, and didn’t respect authority.Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
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But here was Rachel essentially telling him in no uncertain terms that the jury did not respect his game.Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Package your client feedback The exact words clients use to praise you are so valuable in your messaging.Jodie Cook, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
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In 2024, culture is boring and stale due to the algorithms calling the shots on what gets produced and praised—or so the critics say.T.M. Brown, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Personifying wisdom and fertility, promising success in combat and romance to all who worship at their feet, the goddesses are universally understandable.Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
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And in that moment, my faith was worshiping this very beautiful man.Liam Hess, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near lionize
Cite this Entry
“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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