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
In some cases, books that failed to lionize fallen Irish heroes were put on the chopping block.
—
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
Keïta is lionized in the photo world, and in the art world at large, and rightfully so.
—Zoë Hopkins, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
Weberman’s early release would place him back into a community that not only protects, but lionizes him.
—Guila Benchimol, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026
And often the reaction is either to lionize these folks for their mountain accomplishments or demonize them those same pursuits.
—Outside Online, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
Keïta is lionized in the photo world, and in the art world at large, and rightfully so.
—Zoë Hopkins, New Yorker, 7 Feb. 2026
Weberman’s early release would place him back into a community that not only protects, but lionizes him.
—Guila Benchimol, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026
And often the reaction is either to lionize these folks for their mountain accomplishments or demonize them those same pursuits.
—Outside Online, 3 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionize
Verb
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At a balloon release in November 2024 honoring his memory, family members described Williams, who ran his own carpet-cleaning business, as a hardworking, kind, gentle man devoted to his family and faith.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
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After more than 11 years with the Golden Police Department, Chief Joe Harvey was honored by colleagues, friends and family for his service and compassion.—
Karen Morfitt,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Look at this man trying to find points of connection while also admiring her work and lifting it above his.—
Alice Burton,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Others, though, quietly admire the speed at which Treasury is acting.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The rest are bars where cocktail-making is revered.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
30 Mar. 2026
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She’s especially revered in Shiite Islam because of her kinship with the imams.—
Mary Thurlkill,
The Conversation,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
They were venerated as their tribes’ leaders.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Exquisite dribblers such as Olise need protecting and venerating.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The story goes that Balanchine was so struck by the multi-colored glow of the jewelry displays at the Van Cleef & Arpels New York showroom that this led him to create a dance exalting their beauty.—
Guillermo Perez,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2026
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In her endeavor to exalt such a bleak world, Zuniga seems to be battling herself.—
Vrinda Jagota,
Pitchfork,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Pastors doubt their stories, especially when the accused is respected.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Police said no additional information is available and asked the public to respect the reporting party's privacy.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Chief of Police Christopher Cook praised the collaborative effort and said the case required extensive investigation, strong partnerships and quick work by the department's investigative team.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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Quercus in Gay, Georgia, was awarded Best New Hotel Design 2026 by Tablet Hotels, praised for its distinctive blend of regenerative farming and 3,800 acres of forest and pasture.—
Olivia Wakim,
AJC.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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History meets future in new design First Baptist Dallas’ historic sanctuary served as a secondary, but beloved, worship space after its $130 million expansion was completed in 2013.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Mar. 2026
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And others simply see crypto as a way to build wealth and devote more time to worship.—
Bracey Harris,
NBC news,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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