idolize

verb

ˈī-də-ˌlīz How to pronounce idolize (audio)
Definition of idolizenext
as in to adore
to love or admire too much she blindly idolized her older sister, refusing to acknowledge any of her faults

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 idolize Although Hendrix is fond of his dad’s Knicks, Haze idolizes a different NBA superstar. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 Fedorov, just 35 years old, has spent his career idolizing the startup, entrepreneurial culture of Silicon Valley, and sought to recreate it in Ukraine. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026 Bobby Wilson was a pastor’s son who grew up idolizing the kind of R&B dudes who could wail a praise song and then hit up Freaknik afterwards (think Jodeci and H-Town). — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 11 July 2026 One of six children, Tyler grew up idolizing Tina Turner and Janis Joplin and singing hymns in the Anglican church her parents attended. — Adela Suliman, NBC news, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for idolize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idolize
  1. adore
  2. worship
  3. like
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
  • 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
  • Law likes Bobby’s dye pattern, but Willy and Heidi both think the dress’s baggy, circular shape is unflattering.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Glasner has the energy of a man who doesn’t want to be liked, but does want to be admired.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of like

Browse Nearby Words

idolizations
idolize
idolized
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Cite this Entry

“Idolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idolize. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on idolize

Nglish: Translation of idolize for Spanish Speakers

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