as in to idealize
to represent or think of as better than reality would warrant he romanticized what life in a small town would be like, only to be later disappointed when reality intruded

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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 romanticize This post contains details about the fifth and final season of You Despite his efforts not to romanticize his You character Joe Goldberg, Penn Badgley gave the controversial character a steamy send-off. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025 Some writers and economists say that romanticizing this one particular sector of the economy is more about nostalgia or political pandering than rational thinking about what will best serve workers and the economy. Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 27 May 2025 The film doesn’t want to romanticize La Cañada Real. John Hopewell, Variety, 20 May 2025 Beyond the Myth: The Untapped Leadership of Immigrant Women in AI While the tech industry loves to romanticize the immigrant founder, aka the scrappy outsider who comes to Silicon Valley and builds a unicorn—the star protagonists are rarely female. Gemma Allen, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for romanticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for romanticize
Verb
  • This juxtaposition — between a humiliating, critical father and an adoring, idealizing mother — may have fractured Hitler’s developing sense of self.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • This square can bring spiritual delusions or idealized dreams that need refining.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Yet, alcohol is often seen as a rite of passage into adulthood in shows and movies, which glamorize alcohol.
    Markus Lindblad, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • Wearing the classic tan color associated with Timberland, the lace-up boots were glamorized with special silver eyelets and lace-catching speed hooks with intricate detailing.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 22 May 2025

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“Romanticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/romanticize. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

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