idealize
verb
ide·al·ize
ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌlīz 
idealized; idealizing
1
a
: to attribute ideal characteristics to
tended to idealize her teachers
b
: to give an ideal form or value to
2
: to treat idealistically
portraitists who idealize their subjects
Synonyms
Examples of idealize in a Sentence
She tends to idealize her job.
he had a tendency to idealize his heroes and believe they could do no wrong
Recent Examples on the Web
Outpost Inn is, like the very best of summer camps or idealized summer country homes, within a jumping-off point to stellar swimming, fishing, and hiking.
—
Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2024
In fact, even Gen Z—a generation that has popularized and idealized social media influencers to the point that more than half of its members would like to be one, according to one survey—is confused as to what the slang term actually means.
—Danielle Campoamor, Parents, 22 July 2024
As the United States and the United Kingdom shifted rapidly from rural, agrarian societies to urban and industrial economies during the 19th century, the transformation played out in paintings and literature that romanticized and idealized nature for the newly urbanized classes.
—Anne Wallentine, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Oct. 2024
The victims are idealized, elevated even in their ordinariness, remembered as the most courageous, the kindest, the most beautiful.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for idealize 
Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2024
In fact, even Gen Z—a generation that has popularized and idealized social media influencers to the point that more than half of its members would like to be one, according to one survey—is confused as to what the slang term actually means.
—Danielle Campoamor, Parents, 22 July 2024
As the United States and the United Kingdom shifted rapidly from rural, agrarian societies to urban and industrial economies during the 19th century, the transformation played out in paintings and literature that romanticized and idealized nature for the newly urbanized classes.
—Anne Wallentine, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Oct. 2024
The victims are idealized, elevated even in their ordinariness, remembered as the most courageous, the kindest, the most beautiful.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for idealize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'idealize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near idealize
Cite this Entry
“Idealize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idealize. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
idealize
verb
ide·al·ize
ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌlīz
idealized; idealizing
: to think of or represent persons or things as one believes they should be rather than as they are
idealization
noun
-ˌdē-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən
Medical Definition
idealize
transitive verb
ide·al·ize
variants
or chiefly British idealise
idealized or chiefly British idealised; idealizing or chiefly British idealising
: to give ideal form or value to : attribute ideal characteristics of excellence to
constantly shifting moods and a tendency to idealize or devalue other people—Harvard Mental Health Letter
Harvard Mental Health LetterLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share