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
The Ethereal Worlds of Maxfield Parrish, features 25 original works of art that blend idealized realism with lush landscapes and figures that evoke both a romantic and fantastical sense of beauty.
—
Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2025
The great irony is that by avoiding them altogether and idealizing relationships entirely free of friction, people may be denying themselves opportunities to grow and strengthen their connections.
—Allie Volpe, Vox, 15 Jan. 2025
This has been my sort of dream role for Simmons going back to his later days in Philadelphia, idealizing the theory of becoming a modern Draymond Green-style forward.
—Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
These findings underscore the risks of idealizing unavailability, as the allure of scarcity can create more emotional strain than genuine connection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for idealize
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Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2025
The great irony is that by avoiding them altogether and idealizing relationships entirely free of friction, people may be denying themselves opportunities to grow and strengthen their connections.
—Allie Volpe, Vox, 15 Jan. 2025
This has been my sort of dream role for Simmons going back to his later days in Philadelphia, idealizing the theory of becoming a modern Draymond Green-style forward.
—Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
These findings underscore the risks of idealizing unavailability, as the allure of scarcity can create more emotional strain than genuine connection.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for idealize
Cite this Entry
“Idealize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idealize. Accessed 2 Mar. 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?
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