IDEALIZES Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

idealizes

verb

present tense third-person singular of idealize

as in idolizes

to represent or think of as better than reality would warrant he had a tendency to idealize his heroes and believe they could do no wrong

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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 idealizes Gen Z’s frustration with wealth concentration is well-documented culturally, yet the #OldMoney aesthetic idealizes the visual language of precisely the fortune-building class its politics often criticize. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026 However, Neptune idealizes, which can ultimately blur boundaries, while Mercury prefers to be analytical, seeking out the facts and hard data. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 The definition of ultra-processing reflects a philosophy that idealizes traditional culinary practices and treats modern food processing methods as suspect, regardless of their health effects. — David S. Ludwig, STAT, 9 Apr. 2026 Gen Z, in particular, has moved away from the hustle-and-grind culture of the 2000s and early 2010s and instead idealizes wellness, leisure and affluence without overt labor. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealizes

Verb

Although Hendrix is fond of his dad’s Knicks, Haze idolizes a different NBA superstar.

— Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
The Muslim teen from Jersey City idolizes Captain Marvel and the Avengers but doesn't dare dream of being like them.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of idolizes

Verb

Not to mention, the pink tint totally romanticizes your evening skincare routine à la Hailey Bieber.

— Essence Wiley, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
For a guy used to the warmth of an arena crowd, Pragiwaksono romanticizes open mics, those awkward showcases of aspiring comics performing largely in front of other aspiring comics.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 30 July 2026

Definition of romanticizes

Verb

The film neither glamorizes nor indicts Solanas, who Taylor humanizes without softening or sentimentalizing her.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 June 2026
Where Bonnie and Clyde glamorizes its couple and their crimes, Loden renders Wanda passive and desultory in the lawless turn her life has taken.

— Air Mail, Air Mail, 23 May 2026

Definition of glamorizes

Verb

With no score, the film’s vivid sound design of billowing foliage, creaky doors and floorboards, creates an austere ambience that softens with quiet feeling as the contours of the family’s troubles are gradually filled out.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
The former works on the surface of the skin and delivers an immediate boost of hydration that instantly plumps fine lines and softens skin texture.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of softens

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

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Synonyms of idealizes

verb

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