adoration

noun

ad·​o·​ra·​tion ˌa-də-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce adoration (audio)
Synonyms of adoration
: the act of adoring : the state of being adored

Examples of adoration in a Sentence

They looked at the baby in adoration. The doctor has earned the adoration of his patients.
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.
Sabrina is no Dolly, which isn’t a knock but a comment on the impossibility of any new artist ever enjoying the level of admiration and adoration that Parton did for most of her life. — David Kamp, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026 So Big Part of what made Dolly exceptional was her broad appeal and universal adoration. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Aug. 2026 Gunn, who shares a producer credit with Chris DeFaria, operated from sincere adoration for the characters, in particular the tireless protagonist. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Instant fame and all its trappings are something most people would love to marinate in, to soak up what almost always is fleeting adoration. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adoration

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin adōrātiōn-, adōrātiō, from adōrāre "to venerate, adore" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adoration was in the 15th century

Rhymes for adoration

See All Rhymes for adoration

Browse Nearby Words

adorant
adoration
adorational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adoration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adoration. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on adoration

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for adoration

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about adoration

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