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 And this film is about the 1950s, which is an era that the conservative agenda in this country especially really romanticizes. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2025 The problem is that these stories have often been consumed unconsciously, almost romanticizing post-apocalyptic scenarios. Holly Jones, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025 Told in a fragmented, non-linear structure, 500 Days of Summer jumps through highs and lows, first dates and final goodbyes, capturing how our minds romanticize relationships while glossing over inconvenient truths. Janey Tracey, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025 Written by Fielding, Richard Naylor and Jon Brittain, the series followed the contemptuous life of the 18th-century highwayman, known in York, England, as a thief, poacher and killer but whose exploits have been widely romanticized in modern culture. Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for romanticize

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Romanticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/romanticize. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!