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
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Recent Examples of romanticize
Though fictional, the series romanticizes a not-so-distant past in which creatives wowed enterprise organizations with the fruits of their fertile imaginations.
—
Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Wes has romanticized the literary arts for almost his whole career.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 June 2025
An everything shower is a social media trend that romanticizes showers as a self-care extravaganza that stands out against your typical rinse-and-repeat.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
Both the Lolita book and film have been heavily criticized for decades for romanticizing pedophilia.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for romanticize
Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Wes has romanticized the literary arts for almost his whole career.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 2 June 2025
An everything shower is a social media trend that romanticizes showers as a self-care extravaganza that stands out against your typical rinse-and-repeat.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
Both the Lolita book and film have been heavily criticized for decades for romanticizing pedophilia.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for romanticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for romanticize
Verb
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So Superman’s image is more polished and idealized in comic books during this time.—
Ari Daniel,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 July 2025
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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
Verb
-
None of it should be erased or glamorized into something effortless.—
Amy Shoenthal,
Forbes.com,
17 July 2025
-
Growing up, Glaser says society glamorized not eating.—
Jenelle Riley,
Variety,
17 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Romanticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/romanticize. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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