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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lionize
Some will lionize the killer, while others succumb to the temptation to defend the insurance companies.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Following the shooting, a community of fans lionized the shooter as a left-wing folk hero standing up for the common man against the evils of the US health care system.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024
In the aftermath of the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week, social media exploded with those decrying it and others lionizing the chief suspect, Luigi Mangione.
—Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
He has been further lionized in a post-Soviet Russia.
—Robert Legvold, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2016
See all Example Sentences for lionize 
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Following the shooting, a community of fans lionized the shooter as a left-wing folk hero standing up for the common man against the evils of the US health care system.
—David Gilbert, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024
In the aftermath of the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week, social media exploded with those decrying it and others lionizing the chief suspect, Luigi Mangione.
—Thomas Brewster, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
He has been further lionized in a post-Soviet Russia.
—Robert Legvold, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2016
See all Example Sentences for lionize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionize
Verb
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The question should be whether a mayor of New York honors his duty to protect taxpayer funds, or looks for opportunities to bend them to his personal and political gain.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
18 Jan. 2025
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Most of the rest of the dishes also feature seafood, honoring the city’s deep roots in fishing.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Both moved in literary circles and admired each other's writing.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
25 Jan. 2025
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Kimmich is admired among the younger generation of German players.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The letter is revered not just for its eloquence but for the extraordinary circumstances surrounding its creation.—
John Blake,
CNN,
19 Jan. 2025
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Zooming out, activists in Indian Country generally revere Haaland for respecting their history, a change that may be hard for any future administration to undo.—
Kirk Siegler,
NPR,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Here’s what to know about the festival: A religious gathering at confluence of 3 rivers Hindus venerate rivers, and none more so than the Ganges and the Yamuna.—
Sheikh Saaliq,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan. 2025
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The Mangione case reminds me of the protesters and anti-Israel activists who venerated the actions of Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, reveling in the slaughter of thousands of innocent young adults and children.—
Diane Gensler,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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While its fashion is increasingly more in tune with customers’ demand for clothing apt for outdoorsy experiences, the brand’s sustainability credentials and link with the sea are being exalted via lifestyle-leaning activations and communication initiatives.—
Martino Carrera,
WWD,
18 Jan. 2025
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Its rooftop restaurant is a romantic setting for a gourmet dinner that exalts local ingredients.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
AFAR Media,
15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Canales respects Dalton’s professionalism and approach.—
Joseph Person,
The Athletic,
23 Jan. 2025
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Lean principles—such as reducing waste in processes—are increasingly used to improve outcomes for patients while respecting the dignity and well-being of healthcare workers.—
Karlo Tanjuakio,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Seroka also praised longshore laborers for taking on the high volumes of business, along with the other stakeholders in attendance including terminal operators and shipping lines and members of the San Pedro Bay community.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Jan. 2025
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On Reddit, users have praised the platform for its superior code-generation capabilities and its open-source ethos.—
Joel Thayer,
Newsweek,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
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One common misconception about Hinduism, according to Hindu devotees who spoke with the Miami Herald, is that Hindus worship idols instead of worshiping one God.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
19 Jan. 2025
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In the Eighties, The Golden Girls was worshipped by many kids and teens for whom the idea of retiring to Florida wasn’t even a dot on the horizon.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
15 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near lionize
Cite this Entry
“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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