idealizing
/aɪˈdiːəˌlaɪzɪŋ/
VERB
1. Regarding something as ideal
Viewing or thinking about a person, thing, situation, or experience as perfect or exceptionally good, often by overlooking its flaws or limitations.
1.1. Admiring people excessively
Treating someone as exceptionally admirable, virtuous, or perfect, often exaggerating their positive qualities and ignoring their shortcomings.
Synonyms
- idolizing
- adulating
- deifying
- canonizing
- venerating
- worshiping
- worshipping
Antonyms
- belittling
- denigrating
- deprecating
- disparaging
- putting down
Examples
- In her writing, she often finds herself idealizing the characters, envisioning them as perfect embodiments of virtue.
- The documentary focused on the danger of idealizing historical figures without acknowledging their flaws.
Related Words
1.2. Overestimating qualities or achievements
Emphasizing or exaggerating the virtues, importance, or achievements of someone or something until they appear more impressive or admirable than they really are.
Synonyms
- aggrandizing
- glorifying
- ennobling
- magnifying
- dignifying
- exalting
Antonyms
- belittling
- minimizing
- decrying
- denigrating
- disparaging
Examples
- The documentary risks idealizing historical figures by emphasizing their achievements while overlooking their mistakes.
- The biography spends considerable time idealizing the accomplishments of its subject.
Related Words
- praising
- lauding
- eulogizing
- embellishing
- exaggerating
VERB
2. Portraying something in an idealized form
Representing or describing something as more beautiful, perfect, desirable, or harmonious than it is in reality.
2.1. Romanticizing experiences and relationships
Presenting relationships, experiences, or standards as unrealistically perfect by emphasizing their positive aspects and overlooking difficulties.
Synonyms
- romanticizing
- glamorizing
- glamourizing
- sweetening
- softening
- sugarcoating
Antonyms
- deglamorizing
- belittling
- denigrating
Examples
- Despite the setbacks, he couldn't help idealizing the idea of a flawless relationship.
- The self-help book cautioned against the pitfalls of constantly idealizing an unattainable standard of success.
Related Words
- sentimentalizing
- nostalgizing
- embellishing
- sanitizing
2.2. Enhancing beauty in artistic representations
Depicting natural subjects, landscapes, or artistic figures in an elevated or perfected way, emphasizing beauty and harmony rather than strict realism.
Synonyms
- poeticizing
- ennobling
- glorifying
- dignifying
Antonyms
Examples
- The artist's approach to painting involves carefully idealizing the natural beauty of landscapes.
- The painter was idealizing the countryside by emphasizing its peaceful scenery and harmonious colors.
Related Words
- beautifying
- stylizing
- embellishing
- aestheticizing
- romanticizing