Beyond divine groups and the Roman temple, the term 'pantheon' is also used metaphorically to denote a highly revered group of individuals considered the most eminent in a particular field.

This extended usage reflects the concept of a 'hall of fame' or an assembly of 'greats.' For instance, one might refer to the 'pantheon of rock legends' to describe iconic musicians like The Beatles or Led Zeppelin, or the 'pantheon of literary giants' for authors such as Shakespeare and Tolstoy. In this context, the term retains its sense of collective importance and veneration, transferring the reverence once reserved for gods to exceptional human achievements and contributions, recognizing their enduring impact and cultural significance.