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 Waddingham was equally passionate about ensuring Debbie and Judith’s friendship felt authentic rather than idealized. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026 Unlike some of his artistic peers, who idealized studios and showcases in New York or Europe, Chambers never wanted to leave Altadena. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026 The '90s aesthetic was eclipsed by the celebration of a different kind of celebrity − women like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian and JLo were idealized for their curves. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 30 Apr. 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 See All Example Sentences for idealize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealize

Verb

That is a real counterargument to romanticizing entrepreneurship or portfolio work.

— Henrik Totterman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
In addition to softening and romanticizing looks, these bottoms are extremely comfortable.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 4 July 2026

Definition of romanticize

Verb

McGonigle grew up in Aldan idolizing Phillies legend Chase Utley.

— Joe Holden, CBS News, 1 July 2026
There’s friction between the defense lawyer Sam (Nick Nolte) and his wife, Leigh (Jessica Lange), rooted in Sam’s past infidelity and his current flirtations with a young courthouse clerk who idolizes him.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 26 June 2026

Definition of idolize

Verb

The film neither glamorizes nor indicts Solanas, who Taylor humanizes without softening or sentimentalizing her.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 June 2026
Where Bonnie and Clyde glamorizes its couple and their crimes, Loden renders Wanda passive and desultory in the lawless turn her life has taken.

— Air Mail, Air Mail, 23 May 2026

Definition of glamorize

Verb

According to Ceconi, these products don’t actually soften, but instead deposit a waxy coating on the fabric.

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
And that's especially critical this July with inflation surging again, wages softening and higher borrowing costs expected to remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 30 June 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 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of idealize

verb

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