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
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
But a subsequent police investigation into his internet history revealed that Prosper was fascinated with mass murder events like Sandy Hook and the Virginia Tech shooting — killings that are idealized on some incel forums.
—
Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
Unlike many romantic films that idealize love, Blue Valentine strips away all sentimentality, portraying a relationship that is messy, imperfect and often uncomfortable to watch.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Greco-Roman tradition had long idealized the vigorous, penetrating patriarch, and Jewish custom celebrated those men who had large families and multiple wives.
—S. C. Cornell, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2025
Whether idealizing the rugged frontiersman or the daring entrepreneur, Americans take pride in the idea of forging their own paths.
—Sunita Sah, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idealize
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.
Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
Unlike many romantic films that idealize love, Blue Valentine strips away all sentimentality, portraying a relationship that is messy, imperfect and often uncomfortable to watch.
—Travis Bean, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Greco-Roman tradition had long idealized the vigorous, penetrating patriarch, and Jewish custom celebrated those men who had large families and multiple wives.
—S. C. Cornell, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2025
Whether idealizing the rugged frontiersman or the daring entrepreneur, Americans take pride in the idea of forging their own paths.
—Sunita Sah, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idealize
Cite this Entry
“Idealize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idealize. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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