romanticize

verb

ro·​man·​ti·​cize rō-ˈman-tə-ˌsīz How to pronounce romanticize (audio)
rə-
romanticized; romanticizing

transitive verb

: to make romantic : treat as idealized or heroic
romanticize the past

intransitive verb

1
: to hold romantic ideas
2
: to present details, incidents, or people in a romantic way
romanticization noun

Examples of romanticize in a Sentence

He has romanticized notions of army life. a romanticized view of politics We were romanticizing about the past.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As Bella and Edward become closer, our young heroine not only romanticizes the vampire's ethereal good looks, but also the dominance and constant surveillance of his courtship. USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025 Elk hunting has always been romanticized for us Easterners. Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025 An onlooker who romanticizes historical figures as projections of her most idealized self. Bianca Davino, Refinery29, 7 Oct. 2025 Rensch romanticized the idea of a child prodigy finding himself inside the game, and with his life circumstances, the board could serve as a tool for his survival. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for romanticize

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of romanticize was in 1818

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Romanticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/romanticize. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

romanticize

verb
ro·​man·​ti·​cize rō-ˈmant-ə-ˌsīz How to pronounce romanticize (audio)
romanticized; romanticizing
1
: to make romantic : show in a romantic way
2
: to have romantic ideas
romanticization noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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