IDEALIZATION Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

idealization

noun

Definition of idealization

as in romanticization

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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.

Recent Examples of idealization How to critique technological solutionism without embracing rural idealization and nostalgia of the kind entangled with nationalism and völkisch thought? — Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 Neptune, on the other hand, is the planet of dreams, illusions, spirituality, idealization, confusion and surrender. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 Whether that’s true or just an idealization is beside the point; such stories serve as an enormous source of pride and identity. — IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026 The student had an extensive social media presence that showed an idealization of other school shooters and an affinity for antisemitic and Nazi ideologies. — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026 Officials censored, revised, and rewrote theater repertoire to remove any idealization of the pre-revolutionary past and add content that glorified Soviet rule. — Yegor Mostovshikov, The Dial, 9 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealization

Noun

It is characterized by a romanticization of traditional elite academia, references to classic literature, and a mysterious atmosphere.

— Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026
The romanticization of the uncorrupted mother continent took over.

— Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026

Definition of romanticization

Noun

For most of Saturday afternoon, Boise State treated one of college football’s most daunting stadiums with a suspicious lack of reverence.

— Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
He’s flanked by Claymore and Fuller as John and Major Ridge, who both infuse a deep reverence for their characters in both of their performances.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of reverence

Noun

And yet, when Szumowska and Englert portray Fyodor’s reaction to the couple’s pregnancy, the birth of their child, and a subsequent tragedy, Anna’s adoration for this utterly flawed man almost feels justified.

— Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
So, too, do the antics of his estate manager (a buoyant Sam Adegoke), always concocting money-making schemes, and the wide-eyed adoration of the girl next door (Amelia Mason, deftly balancing naïveté with seductiveness), who wants to save him.

— Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of adoration

Noun

Grande became the face of an ongoing conversation around health, and the cultural pendulum swing away from body positivity to the glorification of thinness, ignited by the proliferation of weight-loss drugs.

— José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
Declinism, on the other hand, is an unrealistic glorification of the past coupled with the belief that things are steadily going downhill.

— Markham Heid, Time, 8 July 2026

Definition of glorification

Noun

The Fiorentino family has overseen meticulous renovations that restored their shine with faithful deference to its old-world elegance.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
For journalists, practicing deference and yielding authority are necessary steps when repairing relationships in communities that have experienced historical harm.

— Danielle K. Brown, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of deference

Noun

There’s never going to be optimal city management of road closures and detours to everyone’s liking, no matter how many public hearings of driver angst and outcry take place.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
If fruity fragrances lean too sweet for your liking and clean scents feel too minimalist, citrus perfumes may be the ideal middle ground.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of liking

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“Idealization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idealization. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of idealization

noun

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