canonize

verb

ˈka-nə-ˌnīz How to pronounce canonize (audio)
Definition of canonizenext
1
as in to adore
to love or admire too much a singing star so canonized by his fans that they refuse to believe anything bad about him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to elevate
to assign a high status or value to those movie buffs who have canonized Alfred Hitchcock as filmdom's preeminent director

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of canonize Early reports of the relationship between the Marists and the parish canonize it as a perfect match. — Hannah Brueske, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026 Four years ago, the Church canonized him as a saint. — Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026 Gaudí is on the path to possible sainthood, but he won’t be canonized during the pope’s trip, Spain’s bishops said Wednesday. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026 Gaudí is on the path to possible sainthood, but he won't be canonized during the pope's trip, Spain's bishops said Wednesday. — ABC News, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for canonize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canonize
  1. adore
  2. elevate
  3. worship
  4. promote
  5. like
  6. enshrine
Verb
  • As John walks several miles to catch up to Hal (who takes pictures with adoring fans at a taco stand), a holographic construct of a younger Hal emerges from the ring and briefly interacts with John.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Sending so much love and light to her family, friends, and everyone who adored her.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of adore
Verb
  • While increasing volumes of the oil are finding routes out of the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, keeping energy prices elevated and pushing up global inflation.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Parker says to remove any jewelry from the affected limb, elevate it above the heart, and head to the emergency room.
    — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of elevate
Verb
  • This meant unofficial gods—including those of the Jews, Syrians, and later Christians—could be worshipped there.
    — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The leaders take over business to enrich themselves and force the population to worship them.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of worship
Verb
  • Perhaps Patrick Dorgu should stay on the left, but given United would be expected to have much more of the ball against promoted Hull next Saturday, Matheus Cunha would likely get in there for his attacking flair.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Wrangler and Lee owner Kontoor Brands has promoted Joseph Alkire to president and chief financial officer.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of promote
Verb
  • Russell likes to position the ponytail at the crown with the direction of the hair running parallel to the cheekbones.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Why people don’t like it Some residents are worried about how these sprawling energy farms will affect local soil, especially near farmland.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of like
Verb
  • Little by little, Barker recovered, and he’s since been enshrined as one of the finest drummers working today.
    — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
  • First, Washington resigned as commander in chief of the Continental Army, then set the precedent of serving only two presidential terms before that limit was enshrined in the Constitution.
    — Calvin Woodward, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of enshrine

Browse Nearby Words

canonical
canonize
canonized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Canonize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canonize. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on canonize

Nglish: Translation of canonize for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of rigmarole

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All