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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
In the lyrics, Swift romanticizes the little things in a relationship.
—Daniela Avila, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
There is a tendency to romanticize professional sports.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025
The twilight zone frequency of the city is easy to romanticize.
—Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for romanticize
Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 29 Aug. 2025
In the lyrics, Swift romanticizes the little things in a relationship.
—Daniela Avila, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025
There is a tendency to romanticize professional sports.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025
The twilight zone frequency of the city is easy to romanticize.
—Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for romanticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for romanticize
Verb
-
This clearly suggests that idealized online self-presentation can inflate social impressions but may create disappointment when offline reality does not match expectations.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Despite millennials’ push for greater diversity on the runway and more inclusive sizing in denim collections, there’s a growing shift back toward campaigns that idealize ultra-thin bodies and pale skin.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Addressing Consumer Pain Points The startup world glamorizes disruption and wild ideas for the sake of massive capital gains opportunities.—
Brandon Aversano,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
But readers have also criticized Hoover for the book and movie’s portrayal of abuse, which some argued glamorized domestic violence.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Romanticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/romanticize. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share