idolize

verb

idol·​ize ˈī-də-ˌlīz How to pronounce idolize (audio)
idolized; idolizing
Synonyms of idolize

transitive verb

: to worship as a god
broadly : to love or admire to excess
… the common people whom he so idolized. —The Times Literary Supplement (London)

intransitive verb

: to practice idolatry
idolization
ˌī-də-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce idolize (audio)
noun
idolizer
ˈī-də-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce idolize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of idolize

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Examples of idolize in a Sentence

an actor who is idolized by millions she blindly idolized her older sister, refusing to acknowledge any of her faults
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Deguchi Natsuki plays Fujino, an outgoing student who draws manga for her school newspaper, and Makita Aju plays Kyomoto, a reclusive classmate who idolizes her work. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 Swann is a Chicago native who grew up idolizing Carlton Fisk, the Hall of Fame backstop who spent the second half of his career calling Comiskey Park home. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Upon investigation, police found posts the shooter made in an online community where young people involved in school shootings are idolized. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 14 Oct. 2026 Indigenous Peoples Day provides an alternative option for those not wanting to recognize the controversial historical figure, and counters the narrative of Columbus being someone to idolize. — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for idolize

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of idolize was in 1605

Rhymes for idolize

See All Rhymes for idolize

Browse Nearby Words

idolization
idolize
idolo-
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Cite this Entry

“Idolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idolize. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

idolize

verb
idol·​ize ˈīd-ᵊl-ˌīz How to pronounce idolize (audio)
idolized; idolizing
: to worship as an idol : love or admire too much
idolization
ˌīd-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən
noun
idolizer
ˈīd-ᵊl-ˌī-zər How to pronounce idolize (audio)
noun
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