verb

canonize

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Canonize (verb) means to officially declare that a dead person is a saint.

verb

To officially declare that a dead person is a saint.

"Thomas Becket was canonized in 1173."

"Pope Francis canonized more saints over the dozen years he led the Roman Catholic Church than any of his predecessors — and he instituted a new path to sainthood, recognizing an added category of virtuous Catholics worthy of veneration." — Emma Bubola, Pope Will Lie in State for Three Days Before Funeral on Saturday (2025)

"Prospective candidates for sainthood normally need to have two miracles attributed to them before they can be canonized." — Christopher Lamb, Italian teenager nicknamed ‘God’s influencer’ set to become Catholic Church’s first millennial saint (2024)

To treat someone as if they were a saint, praising and honouring them greatly.

To officially accept a religious text as part of the Bible.

To view a work of art or writing, or its creator, as belonging among those that best represent a particular field.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Etymology

From Late Middle English canonizen (“to declare as a saint; to appoint to an ecclesiastical office”), from Old French canonisier (modern French canoniser (“to canonize”)), or from its etymon Medieval Latin, Late Latin canōnizāre, the present active infinitive of Latin canōnizō (“to recognize as a saint, canonize; to declare as authoritative or official”), from Latin canōn (“measuring line; (figurative) precept, rule, canon; authorized catalogue”) + -izō (suffix forming verbs). The English word is analysable as canon (“general principle, rule; authoritative group of works; catalogue of saints canonized in the Roman Catholic Church”) + -ize.

Synonyms

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canonise saint

Antonyms

uncanonize

Related words

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Rhymes for canonize

size maize prize Belize utilize capsize realize baptize idolize optimize monetize colonize

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of canonize?

"canonize" (verb) means to officially declare that a dead person is a saint.

What is another word for canonize?

Other words for "canonize" include canonise, saint.

What is the opposite of canonize?

The opposite of "canonize" is uncanonize.

What are the different meanings of canonize?

"canonize" has 3 main meanings: 1. To officially declare that a dead person is a saint; 2. To treat someone as if they were a saint, praising and honouring them greatly; 3. To officially accept a religious text as part of the Bible.

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