romanticize

verb

rō-ˈman-tə-ˌsīz How to pronounce romanticize (audio)
Definition of romanticizenext
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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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 romanticize This is not meant to romanticize suffering or suggest pain is something anyone wants. — Simone Lundquist, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 On that note, consider this an opportunity to romanticize your wardrobe and bring a little more charm to your closet. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 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 Your book is accused by some Chinese audiences of romanticizing colonialism, or of being an example of colonial nostalgia literature. — Jan Camenzind Broomby, NPR, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for romanticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for romanticize
  1. idealize
  2. glamorize
Verb
  • In these photographs, the maternal body enters spaces designed around seduction, aspiration, and idealized femininity without renouncing any of them.
    — Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The report suggests that idealized portrayals of dating on social media may be affecting confidence and expectations, in some cases as much as or more than rejection itself.
    — Ethan M. Stone, USA Today, 20 July 2026
Definition of idealize
Verb
  • Beyond post-pandemic freedom, the recent rave explosion can also be credited to BRAT, Charli XCX’s 2024 album that glamorized raving as an It Girl activity.
    — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026
  • The film neither glamorizes nor indicts Solanas, who Taylor humanizes without softening or sentimentalizing her.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 June 2026
Definition of glamorize

Browse Nearby Words

romanticizations
romanticize
romanticized
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Cite this Entry

“Romanticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/romanticize. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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