fantasize

verb

fan·​ta·​size ˈfan-tə-ˌsīz How to pronounce fantasize (audio)
fantasized; fantasizing
Synonyms of fantasizenext

intransitive verb

: to indulge in reverie : to create or develop imaginative and often fantastic views or ideas
… doing things I'd fantasized about in my sheltered childhood.—Diane Arbus

transitive verb

: to portray in the mind : fancy
likes to fantasize herself as very wealthy
fantasizer
ˈfan-tə-ˌsī-zər How to pronounce fantasize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of fantasize

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Examples of fantasize in a Sentence

She fantasized that she had won a million dollars. all those lottery players fantasizing themselves as living in extravagant luxury
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Don’t just fantasize about summer happy hours with your girls. — Sunnah Rasheed, InStyle, 25 May 2026 That created doubt, and that doubt led people to at least fantasize about thinking about different paths. — Adam Harris, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026 People love to fantasize about clothes, to imagine what their own bodies might feel like encased in finery or outfitted in some outré style. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 The busboy, Oscar, fantasizes about slathering honey over Kelce's bared chest as he is tied to a pole, leaving him to be eaten by a bear. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantasize

Word History

Etymology

fantasy entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of fantasize was in 1926

Rhymes for fantasize

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Browse Nearby Words

fantasist
fantasize
fantasm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fantasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fantasize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

fantasize

verb
fan·​ta·​size
variants or British fantasise
ˈfant-ə-ˌsīz How to pronounce fantasize (audio)
fantasized or British fantasised; fantasizing or British fantasising

intransitive verb

: to indulge in fantasy : create or develop imaginative and often fantastic views or ideas
fantasizes about running away from home

transitive verb

: to portray in the mind by fantasy
likes to fantasize herself as very famous

More from Merriam-Webster on fantasize

Nglish: Translation of fantasize for Spanish Speakers

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