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

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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 idealize As these historical examples underscore, there is no idealized past to reclaim nor idealized future to arrive at through an inevitable march of progress. — Mark Brilliant, Mercury News, 9 July 2026 These lines reveal the perspective of someone who has been immersed in one medium for too long and is now busy idealizing another. — Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for idealize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealize

Verb

But with campaigns romanticizing the British countryside and a new mini exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum honoring one of its greatest hallmarks, the trusty trench, Burberry is fully owning its history.

— Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Okay, maybe that’s a bit romanticized, but that’s what this trip is all about.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of romanticize

Verb

My goal wasn't to glamorize them, but to show them at their most human.

— Daniel Lubetzky Nina Zipkin, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of glamorize

Verb

Growth in the world’s second-largest economy softened to its slowest in more than three years in the second quarter, as a multiyear property downturn continued to depress consumer demand and investment in real estate and infrastructure.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
In a microwave-safe medium bowl, microwave the cream cheese for 5 to 10 seconds, just until it’s softened.

— Candy Hom, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of soften

Browse Nearby Words

idealizations

idealize

idealized

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“Idealize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idealize. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of idealize

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