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
Some people have lionized Mangione as a sort of vigilante hero.
—
ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
To see that kind of big-budget artistry properly lionized, given some of the duds the Academy has recognized in recent years—I’m looking at you, Green Book—felt like a true triumph.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for lionize
ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
To see that kind of big-budget artistry properly lionized, given some of the duds the Academy has recognized in recent years—I’m looking at you, Green Book—felt like a true triumph.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for lionize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lionize
Verb
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June 21 – July 22 Stability today comes from honoring both your needs and your responsibilities.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
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The actor was honored with the Palm Springs International Film Festival Rising Star Award for his turn in that pic.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The city’s slow pace invites you to get lost in its picturesque streets, admire historic churches, sample regional food, and even jump into a pristine cenote without leaving town.—
Regina Zumarraga,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
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The piece is affectionate, admiring, and shamelessly tilted in his favor.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Though Washington is revered today, his position was extremely fragile at the time, Kesten said, gesturing at an image of a painting of von Steuben and Washington.—
Amanda Rosa
Updated April 28,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
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Last month, the 55-year-old DeCosta became known to legions of fans — especially those who revere the Raiders — for something far less flattering.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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People were so eager to venerate his remains that skulls of his magically multiplied.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
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Jellicle Ball joins that lineage, inviting its audience to experience the joys of the Black and Latino ball scene while venerating its bittersweet roots.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Onstage, Michael is exalted, transfigured, fully alive, with neither fear nor shame.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Production is either exalted or explained away.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Kids need to know how to ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic in bike lanes if available, to stop at all intersections and before entering the street, to respect the same traffic signals cars do, and to use their hands to indicate turns.—
Dr. Phyllis Agran,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
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Those plans are evidence that the hospital says respect the past while also looking to the future.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Beal praised the work ethic of both Nixon and Montgomery.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
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The actor also praised William Shatner for having previously taken to social media to share his blessing for Wesley portraying the same character that Shatner originated in the initial series.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and in 1977, the state built an obelisk on the church’s grounds to honor Benjamin Banneker, a naturalist and mathematician who reportedly worshipped at the church during the early 1800s.—
Lily Carey,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
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Takaichi notably did not worship at Yasukuni personally, instead sending her offerings through an intermediary.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lionize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lionize. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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