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
The only exception of course is the intersex pope (who — surprise! — has female reproductive parts) & the cardinal who keeps her secret — bc of course that kind of Catholic secret-keeping must be lionized.
—
Jen Juneau, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
That might be a good thing—if this particular online subculture didn't lionize such violent people and actions.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025
And unlike their American peers, who tend to lionize founders — think of all the hagiographies of Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, etc.
—Eric Markowitz, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2025
The youngest to accomplish something are often lionized, and impatience sets in if success is seen to take too long.
—Tania Ganguli, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Jen Juneau, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
That might be a good thing—if this particular online subculture didn't lionize such violent people and actions.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025
And unlike their American peers, who tend to lionize founders — think of all the hagiographies of Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, etc.
—Eric Markowitz, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2025
The youngest to accomplish something are often lionized, and impatience sets in if success is seen to take too long.
—Tania Ganguli, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionize
Verb
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His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, chose his papal name to show his commitment to peace and reconciliation by honoring St. Benedict and Pope Benedict XV, who was head of the church during World War I, Temple said.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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In 2023, the gala honored the late designer Karl Lagerfeld, with references to his unique style and combination of black, white and leather, as well as his beloved cat Choupette.—
Renee Anderson,
CBS News,
4 May 2025
Verb
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Crystal Palace’s Guehi remains admired at centre-back and Burnley’s James Trafford has long been a goalkeeper target.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
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The Soviet dictator, the Man of Steel, was the type of tyrant that Trump chillingly admires.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2025
Verb
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The founder's namesake brand's latest creation has an invisible finish (as someone with melanin-rich skin, this was of the utmost importance to the founder) and goes beyond protecting skin thanks to Kashmiri saffron, a Ayurvedic ingredient revered for its ability to repair the look of dark spots.—
Jackie Fields,
People.com,
1 May 2025
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His grandfather, revered St. Louisan and Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Harry Caray, anchored Cardinals games from 1945-69 before voicing the Cubs at the end of his career.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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From union leaders to foreign students There are some striking parallels between the throttling of civil liberties during the Cold War and President Donald Trump’s crusade against foreign students exercising venerated democratic freedoms.—
Rick Baldoz,
The Conversation,
30 Apr. 2025
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Managing ego doesn’t mean failing to acknowledge rising generations of performers who, nearly to a woman, openly venerate her for helping to pave their way.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Vatican has for centuries sought to exalt faith through art, building monuments to biblical figures and church leaders.—
Alan Yuhas,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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Students and staff at Florida State University came together in a peaceful vigil and serene outdoor service on Holy Saturday to exalt their strong sense of community after a shooting sent shockwaves across the campus of nearly 45,000 students.—
Kati Weis,
CBS News,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The United States is a place where property rights should by default be respected and protected.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
11 May 2025
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The family also thanked everyone who took part in the search for Coa, and requested their privacy be respected in the wake of her death.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
10 May 2025
Verb
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With over 12,300 reviews and a 4.8-star average rating, shoppers praise the shirt’s softness, comfort, and moisture-wicking abilities.—
Kayla Kitts,
Travel + Leisure,
3 May 2025
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More recently, Brady praised Patrick and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the Chiefs duo surpassed Brady and Rob Gronkowski’s record for postseason touchdowns by a pair in NFL history in 2024.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
3 May 2025
Verb
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The Alchemy 24s are introduced as a sneaker to be worshipped, but those and the other shoes featured throughout the film, lack detail.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Apr. 2025
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Men, converting to worshipping a little white ball, plan their golf tournaments with each other, and find an enemy who must be humbled.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
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