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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Recent Examples of idealize
The new fad of tradwife influencers idealizing a time before women had the right to vote is evidence enough.
—
Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
The figures aren’t necessarily idealized forms though.
—Emilie Hardman, JSTOR Daily, 6 May 2026
Unlike some of his artistic peers, who idealized studios and showcases in New York or Europe, Chambers never wanted to leave Altadena.
—Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
The '90s aesthetic was eclipsed by the celebration of a different kind of celebrity − women like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian and JLo were idealized for their curves.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idealize
Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
The figures aren’t necessarily idealized forms though.
—Emilie Hardman, JSTOR Daily, 6 May 2026
Unlike some of his artistic peers, who idealized studios and showcases in New York or Europe, Chambers never wanted to leave Altadena.
—Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
The '90s aesthetic was eclipsed by the celebration of a different kind of celebrity − women like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian and JLo were idealized for their curves.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for idealize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealize
Verb
-
From dopamine-spiking decor to more childlike, bright clothes, adults are romanticizing the smallest aspects of their lives and fully running with a lighthearted outlook.—
Theara Coleman,
TheWeek,
17 June 2026
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As a ritual romanticized for generations as one of the most significant events of a person’s life, the modern wedding tends to provoke a nebulous kind of introspection separating it from its most notable counterparts.—
Bobby Finger
June 16,
Literary Hub,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
May has two young daughters who, like many girls, idolize Murphy.—
Anya Armentrout,
Twin Cities,
16 June 2026
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As a filmmaker, your movies have helped shape people’s world views; obviously, many other directors idolize you.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
Verb
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The film neither glamorizes nor indicts Solanas, who Taylor humanizes without softening or sentimentalizing her.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
10 June 2026
-
Where Bonnie and Clyde glamorizes its couple and their crimes, Loden renders Wanda passive and desultory in the lawless turn her life has taken.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
Hot tubs are a great way to relax and let the muscles soften after a long day.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
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Your 4th House of Home softens as sensual Venus settles there and trines spiritual Neptune in your 12th House of Solitude, encouraging rest and boundary repair.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Idealize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idealize. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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