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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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 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 This shouldn’t be about idealizing a concept or demonizing it. — Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for idealize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealize

Verb

Hollywood has long romanticized the era, and there’s a reason these references continue to resonate.

— Lauren Valenti, InStyle, 17 July 2026
Have fun romanticizing the routine — this is your superpower right now.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Definition of romanticize

Verb

Fedorov, just 35 years old, has spent his career idolizing the startup, entrepreneurial culture of Silicon Valley, and sought to recreate it in Ukraine.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026
The legend of Caitlin Clark was blossoming, with millions of average Americans idolizing her family-first background and humble Midwestern roots.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 July 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

In recent months, with his cancer diagnosis now public, his attitude had softened and the prospect of him coming back to the stadium was dangling.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Let your shoes soften the look, while the rest of your accessories—like a designer bag and statement jewelry—do all the heavy lifting.

— India Roby, Glamour, 21 July 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 23 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of idealize

verb

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