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
So Superman’s image is more polished and idealized in comic books during this time.
—
Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025
This isn’t a biopic that idealizes my journey, but an honest portrait—unembellished and unafraid to confront any part of my life, no matter how difficult.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 9 July 2025
Other times, the mirror’s idealizing powers can be harnessed for good.
—Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 2 July 2025
Goodness knows, with the help of costume designer Nanette Acosta, and whoever did her hair and makeup, Anderson transforms into something of a brainy, idealized 1940s Hollywood or Broadway ingenue.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for idealize
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Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025
This isn’t a biopic that idealizes my journey, but an honest portrait—unembellished and unafraid to confront any part of my life, no matter how difficult.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 9 July 2025
Other times, the mirror’s idealizing powers can be harnessed for good.
—Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 2 July 2025
Goodness knows, with the help of costume designer Nanette Acosta, and whoever did her hair and makeup, Anderson transforms into something of a brainy, idealized 1940s Hollywood or Broadway ingenue.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 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 29 Jul. 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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