IDEALIZE Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

idealize

verb

ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌlīz

Definition of idealize

as in to romanticize

to represent or think of as better than reality would warrant he had a tendency to idealize his heroes and believe they could do no wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 idealize At the same time, you could be tempted to idealize people or overlook incompatibilities. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 The Paris in his film feels stylized, idealized. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026 The company said the approach is intended for real-world superconducting quantum processors rather than idealized laboratory systems, with an emphasis on manufacturability and scalability. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026 Her reflections don’t present motherhood as effortless or idealized. — Sugey Palomares, Parents, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for idealize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealize

Verb

For a guy used to the warmth of an arena crowd, Pragiwaksono romanticizes open mics, those awkward showcases of aspiring comics performing largely in front of other aspiring comics.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 30 July 2026
Your book is accused by some Chinese audiences of romanticizing colonialism, or of being an example of colonial nostalgia literature.

— Jan Camenzind Broomby, NPR, 29 July 2026

Definition of romanticize

Verb

Driving the success is a Lebanese duo with a great backstory (one player used to idolize the other) - which William Mullaly details in this great piece for The National.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
Although Hendrix is fond of his dad’s Knicks, Haze idolizes a different NBA superstar.

— Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of idolize

Verb

Beyond post-pandemic freedom, the recent rave explosion can also be credited to BRAT, Charli XCX’s 2024 album that glamorized raving as an It Girl activity.

— Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026
The film neither glamorizes nor indicts Solanas, who Taylor humanizes without softening or sentimentalizing her.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 June 2026

Definition of glamorize

Verb

The versatile pair will quickly become their everyday staple, with premium Venetian leather that softens and develops character with every wear.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026
Rumors had surfaced months ago that Ellison was considering a California exit if the AG did not soften his stance.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of soften

Browse Nearby Words

idealizations

idealize

idealized

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Idealize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idealize. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of idealize

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on idealize

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

vacuous

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Words of the Week - Aug. 14

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes