fantasize

verb

fan·​ta·​size ˈfan-tə-ˌsīz How to pronounce fantasize (audio)
fantasized; fantasizing

intransitive verb

: to indulge in reverie : to create or develop imaginative and often fantastic views or ideas
doing things I'd fantasized about in my sheltered childhoodDiane Arbus

transitive verb

: to portray in the mind : fancy
likes to fantasize herself as very wealthy
fantasizer noun

Examples of fantasize in a Sentence

She fantasized that she had won a million dollars. all those lottery players fantasizing themselves as living in extravagant luxury
Recent Examples on the Web Elsewhere in the sketch, SNL cast members Mikey Day and Kenan Thompson also fantasize about the City of Seven Hills while their significant others look on with disapproval. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 Nov. 2023 Like many a child, no doubt, Kevin Kidney fantasized about living at Disneyland. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 16 Nov. 2023 Stop fantasizing about a potential Newsom race for the White House. Laurel Rosenhall, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2023 Alyona and Ilya fantasized about building a bar, with a stage for local musicians. Maria Varenikova, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2023 Stop fantasizing about the pastacore life and start living it. October 18, 2023 All products featured on Bon Appétit are independently selected by our editors. Carina Finn, Bon Appétit, 18 Oct. 2023 To be sure, here’s nothing wrong with fantasizing about winning the grand prize, or dropping $5 to $10 to buy lottery tickets or scratch-offs on occasion. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 3 Oct. 2023 The extremely SoCal video — featuring garage band practice, drives with the top down, skate sessions and house parties — finds the singer fantasizing about his bandmate’s girlfriend, played by D’Amelio. Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 23 Sep. 2023 With travel back in full swing, everyone's fantasizing about what their next destination might be. Halee Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fantasize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

fantasy entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of fantasize was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near fantasize

Cite this Entry

“Fantasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fantasize. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Medical Definition

fantasize

verb
fan·​ta·​size
variants or British fantasise
fantasized or British fantasised; fantasizing or British fantasising

intransitive verb

: to indulge in fantasy : create or develop imaginative and often fantastic views or ideas
fantasizes about running away from home

transitive verb

: to portray in the mind by fantasy
likes to fantasize herself as very famous

More from Merriam-Webster on fantasize

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