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 movie’s frank depiction of Mishima’s bisexual obsessions and radical political drive, not to mention the involvement of foreign filmmakers like Schrader, Coppola and Lucas, drew a boycott from Mishima’s widow and incensed the ultra-right-wing political groups that continued to lionize him.
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Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Progressives should condemn these killers and do whatever is in their power to push back on the voices that lionize them, and the toxic social media algorithms that boost those voices.
—Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025
On Sunday, he was lionized as a Christian martyr and patriot committed to free expression and challenging liberal orthodoxy.
—Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
Conservatives memorialize Kirk as 'martyr' and 'warrior' Kirk was lionized by several speakers as a modern-day martyr, many using the word in the context of his Christian faith.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionize
Verb
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While Constantine died before the filming of 2023’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, the plot of the movie paid tribute to the actor, revolving around a family trip to Greece intended to honor his character’s last wish.—
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The 2026 Golden Globes are tonight — the first major award show of the year to honor standouts in film and television.—
Verb
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Our transition to a digital organisation has been deeply impressive, and our thriving commercial businesses are admired globally.—
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Snow — who plays Nile's wife, Nina — tells PEOPLE that she was thrilled to work with actors of such caliber whom she's long admired.—
Verb
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Fortunately for music fans the world over, Barron overcame his disdain for music and rehearsing and grew to become one of the most top jazz pianists in the world — revered for both his technical prowess and ability to connect with both casual and serious jazz fans.—
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Highly revered for its outdoorsy facilities, the low-slung La Reserve Hotel and Spa Geneva occupies a sizable, green patch alongside its namesake lake.—
Verb
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And, online, there has been a never-ending stream of posts venerating Kirk as a martyr who died defending white Christian values.—
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Yoji shared that venerated director Akira Kurosawa always said that the camera should never be on stage when shooting a kabuki performance, nor move around to get close to the actors.—
Verb
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Mars in Capicorn, meanwhile, is exalted in this Cardinal sign, operating at its fullest potential.—
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The executive is looking to bring the Kate Somerville brand back to a strong position by leaning into its clinical roots and exalting its hero ExfoliKate line of cleansers and treatments, priced between $46 for a foaming wash and $85 for an exfoliating treatment.—
Verb
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The United States respects the voice of the Iranian people and their aspirations.—
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If emotions swell, take a breath and reflect on what actually nourishes your home rhythm, then offer a simple plan that respects both sides.—
Verb
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His unique style made his work a major influence on art house cinema including American filmmakers Gus van Sant and Jim Jarmusch, who have praised his vision.—
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Don’t be afraid to praise good work — doing so sets a tone that turns routine collaboration into something people enjoy.—
Verb
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Families who live, work, worship and raise their children here belong here.—
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Adventurous cinephiles came to worship his enveloping dramas, and directors like Jim Jarmusch and Gus Van Sant were heavily influenced by his contemplative style and underappreciated deadpan comedic style.—
Cite this Entry
“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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