idealization

noun

Definition of idealizationnext
as in romanticization

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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 idealization Neptune, on the other hand, is the planet of dreams, illusions, spirituality, idealization, confusion and surrender. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 Whether that’s true or just an idealization is beside the point; such stories serve as an enormous source of pride and identity. — IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026 The student had an extensive social media presence that showed an idealization of other school shooters and an affinity for antisemitic and Nazi ideologies. — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026 Officials censored, revised, and rewrote theater repertoire to remove any idealization of the pre-revolutionary past and add content that glorified Soviet rule. — Yegor Mostovshikov, The Dial, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealization
  1. romanticization
  2. reverence
  3. adoration
  4. glorification
  5. veneration
  6. deference
  7. liking
Noun
  • It is characterized by a romanticization of traditional elite academia, references to classic literature, and a mysterious atmosphere.
    — Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026
  • The romanticization of the uncorrupted mother continent took over.
    — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
Definition of romanticization
Noun
  • In the aftermath of Panettiere’s death, Klitschko shared his reverence for his former fiancée, whom he was engaged to from 2013 to 2018.
    — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Palmer himself paced the room on a phone call, doling out smiles of encouragement and inspiring a hushed reverence in his wake.
    — Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of reverence
Noun
  • Sabrina is no Dolly, which isn’t a knock but a comment on the impossibility of any new artist ever enjoying the level of admiration and adoration that Parton did for most of her life.
    — David Kamp, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • So Big Part of what made Dolly exceptional was her broad appeal and universal adoration.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of adoration
Noun
  • Grande became the face of an ongoing conversation around health, and the cultural pendulum swing away from body positivity to the glorification of thinness, ignited by the proliferation of weight-loss drugs.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Declinism, on the other hand, is an unrealistic glorification of the past coupled with the belief that things are steadily going downhill.
    — Markham Heid, Time, 8 July 2026
Definition of glorification
Noun
  • This, to him, seemed an image of Our Lady and her veneration.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
  • And yet the throughline to Nacho Manzano’s food—full of nostalgia for the past and veneration for tradition—was clear.
    — Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of veneration
Noun
  • For journalists, practicing deference and yielding authority are necessary steps when repairing relationships in communities that have experienced historical harm.
    — Danielle K. Brown, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The president, himself a billionaire, has described his inclination toward appointing the ultrawealthy as deference to financial success.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of deference
Noun
  • The best kids basketball sets This set will encourage your kids to remain active and develop a liking for the game of basketball.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • If none of those finalists are to his liking, Johnson can direct the process to begin again.
    — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of liking

Browse Nearby Words

idealists
idealization
idealizations
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Cite this Entry

“Idealization.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idealization. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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