idealize
verb
ide·al·ize
ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌlīz 
idealized; idealizing
1
a
: to attribute ideal characteristics to
tended to idealize her teachers
b
: to give an ideal form or value to
2
: to treat idealistically
portraitists who idealize their subjects
Synonyms
Examples of idealize in a Sentence
She tends to idealize her job.
he had a tendency to idealize his heroes and believe they could do no wrong
Recent Examples on the Web
When Renaissance artists revived interest in classical antiquity, the nude came along for the ride, mostly as a vessel to idealize the figures of the Christian faith and the Roman Catholic Church, which dominated Renaissance Europe.
—
Julia Halperin, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024
Or, at least, a highly stylistic, idealized version of one.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2024
Bob and Lily’s connection might be idealized, but Laymon still takes care to ground them in moments that feel authentic, performed by actors who seem incapable of striking a false note.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2024
While older generations sometimes view young workers as lazy or idealizing social media fame, many Gen Zers say the reality is the opposite.
—Danielle Abril, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024
Most members seek to use fewer resources and live in a friendly neighborhood, but still often idealize single-family homes.
—Bang Advertising Staff and Correspondents, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2024
Though the book is tinted with nostalgia, it’s filled with characters suspicious of idealizing an earlier time.
—Condé Nast, The New Yorker, 27 Nov. 2023
The rapper doesn't allow the show to idealize his alter ego.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 15 Feb. 2024
Dakota idealizes who he was based on that material left behind.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 30 Jan. 2024
Julia Halperin, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024
Or, at least, a highly stylistic, idealized version of one.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2024
Bob and Lily’s connection might be idealized, but Laymon still takes care to ground them in moments that feel authentic, performed by actors who seem incapable of striking a false note.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2024
While older generations sometimes view young workers as lazy or idealizing social media fame, many Gen Zers say the reality is the opposite.
—Danielle Abril, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024
Most members seek to use fewer resources and live in a friendly neighborhood, but still often idealize single-family homes.
—Bang Advertising Staff and Correspondents, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2024
Though the book is tinted with nostalgia, it’s filled with characters suspicious of idealizing an earlier time.
—Condé Nast, The New Yorker, 27 Nov. 2023
The rapper doesn't allow the show to idealize his alter ego.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 15 Feb. 2024
Dakota idealizes who he was based on that material left behind.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 30 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'idealize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near idealize
Cite this Entry
“Idealize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idealize. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
idealize
verb
ide·al·ize
ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌlīz
idealized; idealizing
: to think of or represent persons or things as one believes they should be rather than as they are
idealization
noun
-ˌdē-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən
Medical Definition
idealize
transitive verb
ide·al·ize
variants
or chiefly British idealise
idealized or chiefly British idealised; idealizing or chiefly British idealising
: to give ideal form or value to : attribute ideal characteristics of excellence to
constantly shifting moods and a tendency to idealize or devalue other people—Harvard Mental Health Letter
Harvard Mental Health LetterLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share