as in to glamourize
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
For decades, mainstream psychological theories have idealized stability as the hallmark of a healthy relationship.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
Lutnick and Trump both idealize the American economy of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, an era of dramatic industrial growth supported by muscular state protectionism.
—Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
So Superman’s image is more polished and idealized in comic books during this time.
—Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025
There is a sheen of poetic perfection to the film; Jesse and Céline are idealized lovers who look like grunge-era fashion models and speak with an unguarded openness.
—Judy Berman, Time, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for idealize
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
Lutnick and Trump both idealize the American economy of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, an era of dramatic industrial growth supported by muscular state protectionism.
—Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
So Superman’s image is more polished and idealized in comic books during this time.
—Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025
There is a sheen of poetic perfection to the film; Jesse and Céline are idealized lovers who look like grunge-era fashion models and speak with an unguarded openness.
—Judy Berman, Time, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for idealize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealize
Verb
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His newfound precarity is not romanticized, it is presented as the necessary alternative to a less suitable path.—
Sophie Monks Kaufman,
IndieWire,
29 Aug. 2025
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In the lyrics, Swift romanticizes the little things in a relationship.—
Daniela Avila,
People.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But the only clear finding so far, law enforcement officials said, was that the attacker had come to idolize mass shooters, particularly those who have killed children.—
Ernesto Londoño,
Twin Cities,
1 Sep. 2025
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In other words, as much as Maggie idolizes her teacher in the way that young people who weren’t loved enough as children project parent-like silhouettes onto their mentors, Maggie also might be building a case against Alma.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Beyond the Lab Naming the Dead doesn’t glamorize the work.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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Cutting gluten has been glamorized as a quick fix for weight loss, bloating or inflammation.—
Hannah Yasharoff,
USA Today,
28 July 2025
Verb
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All of these things can soften poop and move it through your system more smoothly—which helps keep those nearby blood vessels calm and cool.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
5 Sep. 2025
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If a fence is involved, soften its lines with greenery.—
Neil Sperry,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idealize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idealize. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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