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

That is not to romanticize the post-9/11 era; there were failures and ugliness too.

— Steven Fulop, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026
The 1930 release included contributions from Warren and Ransom among others who would later distance themselves from a racist and romanticized view of the rural South held by many agrarians.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of romanticize

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

The Sagittarius Moon trines Chiron in your partnership zone, softening the instinct to package every feeling so perfectly that nobody could possibly object.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
In a nod to the brand’s Brazilian roots, Brazil nut oil (rich in vitamin E and fatty acids including omegas 3 and 6) adds nourishing emollient benefits, while rice bran oil and dimethicone soften skin and keep moisture from escaping.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 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 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of idealize

verb

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