HERO WORSHIP Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

hero-worship 1 of 2

verb

ˈhir-(ˌ)ō-ˌwər-ship

Definition of hero-worship

as in to adore

to love or admire too much people who hero-worship celebrities are setting themselves up for disappointment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to overpraise

to praise too much a golfing pro who is hero-worshipped by hordes of weekend duffers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hero worship

2 of 2

noun

as in worship

excessive admiration of or devotion to a person once the object of uncritical hero worship, the aging quarterback now faces the derision of his team's fickle fans

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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 hero-worship

Verb

When The Athletic visited Tashkent for the March international break, the hero-worship hadn’t yet ceased; Cannavaro was applauded both into and out of the press conference room by journalists, while some asked for selfies. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 1 June 2026 In an accompanying statement, Yungblud said that the record explores the theme of hero-worship. — Thomas Smith, Billboard, 6 May 2025

Noun

The hundreds of millions of people who follow her are aware of this disconnect and embrace the contrived aspect of her persona in a way that’s more meta than classic Hollywood hero worship. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 11 Mar. 2026 This is the vibe that Edgar Wright is chasing with his version of The Running Man, which hews closely to the original text with a fidelity bordering on hero worship. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hero-worship

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hero-worship

Verb

Back on property, the outdoor pool sits peacefully at the edge of the vineyard next to two large oaks (one of which has a storybook-like swing hanging from it, which the youngest guests adored).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
These cheery yellow flowers produce a thin, needlelike seed that is rich with oil and dense with nutrients that towhees, nuthatches, cardinals and even robins adore into January.

— Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of adore

Verb

The result is sometimes overpraising, overprotection, and overindulging children, mixing emotional intensity with economic privilege in ways that breed entitlement.

— Christine Michel Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
As in the case of that picture, East of Eden is backed up by masterful screen storytelling that can hardly be overpraised and is complicated by no message that can be termed controversial.

— Jack Moffitt, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2023

Definition of overpraise

Noun

Their style of worship and theological teachings provided concrete tools, including practices such as prayer, fasting and sharing personal testimony, that relieved migrants’ suffering.

— Johanna Bard Richlin, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
Location data can expose visits to doctors, pharmacies, places of worship and other sensitive locations, especially when it gets combined with advertising identifiers and other information about you.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of worship

Verb

Terry Kay liked to tell the story of how he was coerced into writing his first novel by Pat Conroy, who told his literary agent Kay had written a brilliant manuscript.

— Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026
And yet, when CNN Sports asked to speak with people who bet on sports but don’t like prediction markets partnering with sports leagues, teams or athletes themselves, Allison was among the dozens of fans who reached out.

— Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of like

Verb

Maiava echoed Riley’s sentiment when asked about Dyakonov, praising his ability to fill in for Paige on short notice.

— Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Prior to the first game of the ALCS, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised the Tampa Bay and Cleveland general managers respectively.

— Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of praise

Noun

His face appearing on the big screen was naturally greeted by cheers of adoration from the stands and would normally have been a pure reason to smile.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
The filmmaker was showered with love and adoration by appreciative fans.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of adoration

Verb

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
Combs idolized his father, Melvin, wearing his portrait on a medallion around his neck; Christian treats his father with the same reverence.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of idolize

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heroizing

hero-worship

hero worship

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Style

“Hero-worship.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hero-worship. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hero-worship

verb

noun

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