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 The character Bird fantasizes about selling food on the roadside to travellers. Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2024 While some Dolphins fans have fantasized about Weaver bringing Madubuike with him, the Ravens’ Brent Urban is a more realistic option as a veteran who can provide quality snaps in limited action. Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2024 My friend Shon says that people tend to fantasize less when most of the major needs in their life are being met. Annie Lord, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2024 The Seaport is a charming area to simply walk along the water and fantasize about living in the high-rises overlooking the harbor. Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2024 Now, Mira studies Sri’s body, fantasizes about their kisses and competes for his attention. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2024 Every red-blooded American male has no doubt fantasized about what went on in Hugh Hefner’s bedroom with his harem of blond bombshells. Alex Apatoff, Peoplemag, 24 Jan. 2024 The pair, who are based in Boulder, Colorado, had long fantasized about buying a home in Italy, wistfully gazing at realtors’ windows during their many visits. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2024 Users, many of them teenagers or young adults, fantasized about violence. Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 15 Dec. 2023

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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