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

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

Nude polishes soften the harsh lines of a traditional pink-and-white French manicure.

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
Revenue from licensing of shows and films to streaming platforms has softened amid a general industry downturn over the past few years, while other categories of residuals have continued their longer downward trend.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 4 Aug. 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of idealize

verb

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