fantasize

verb

fan·​ta·​size ˈfan-tə-ˌsīz 

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 childhood.

—Diane Arbus

transitive verb

: to portray in the mind : fancy

likes to fantasize herself as very wealthy

fantasizer

ˈfan-tə-ˌsī-zər 

noun

Synonyms of fantasize

• imagine
• envision
• see
• dream

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

Jonathon Brooks, the Carolina Panthers running back fans love to fantasize about, gave his supporters a scare earlier this week. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026

Rewind to 1953, and commercial artist Harry Birdsall fantasized about building a luxury convertible coupe in Harley Earl’s style, but one that could actually be purchased. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2026

Not necessarily as little leaguers, but as bright-eyed youths fantasizing about one day wearing a big-league uniform, competing in major league stadiums and making their living by playing this children’s game as adults. — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Her workspace is cheerfully cluttered with Yankees memorabilia—pretty much what a twelve-year-old might fantasize a Yankees executive’s office to look like. — Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

fantasy entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for fantasize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Medical Definition

fantasize

verb

fan·​ta·​size

variants or British fantasise

ˈfant-ə-ˌsīz 

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