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
The residency show is a bit of a love letter to the music idols and genres from decades past.
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Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Just thinking about having this film play in the same place where one of his idols, Elvis Presley performed, was thrilling.
—Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
But the tonal change from braggadocio to lionization is notable, Reisman slipping at times into the giddiness of a die-hard fan meeting their idols.
—Julien Levy, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2025
Visually, Mitchell’s images are sumptuous, stylish, and seductive, channelling the old-school photographic glamour epitomized by Richard Avedon, one of Mitchell’s idols.
—Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2025
When asked about the possible negative effects of fans having round-the-clock access to AI versions of their idols, Lee is adamant that technology will always have both positive and negative elements.
—Sara Merican, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2025
Fans will be tasked with finding the idols to win prizes, bringing the game to life across the country.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Other artists always inspire me — not just idols, but illustrators and even fashion accounts.
—Billboard Korea, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2025
Those who dream of getting paid to not work have a new set of idols to look up to.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idols
Noun
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And then Alex is like all of Emily’s heroes.—
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Inside, the walls are lined with photos of local sports heroes—from youth leagues to the Tigers and the Grizzlies.—
Noun
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe (2011 - present) With its sorcerers, gods, and talking raccoons, the MCU doesn't usually get too hung up on academic rigor.—
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Suddenly though, Artemis had to cut off this fling, because gods and goddesses were not supposed to have romances with mortals.—
Cite this Entry
“Idols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idols. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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