THE WORDCRAFT DEFINITION DICTIONARY
canonize
verb
To officially recognize as a saint; figuratively, to treat as beyond criticism.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
A USEFUL DISTINCTION
Usage note
The first meaning is religious. Figuratively the word can describe treating someone as beyond criticism; a saint is not the literal meaning of that metaphor.
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Examples in context
The church would canonize the revered figure after its formal process.
The church decided to canonize the teacher after years of inquiry.
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Related meanings
Related words can differ in tone and context; they are not always interchangeable.
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This entry is part of the vocabulary collection supplied by GlobalRPh. Definitions are concise study meanings. Examples combine original teaching sentences with selected passages adapted from the supplied study notes; their source is labeled beside each example. A word may have additional specialized or historical senses.
Term requested in the October 5, 2026 supplied word list. Definition, alternatives and examples authored for WordCraft; WordNet senses and targeted dictionary checks inform the lexical review.
Source study sections: October 2026 additions.
The first meaning is religious. Figuratively the word can describe treating someone as beyond criticism; a saint is not the literal meaning of that metaphor.
Dictionary scope and sources