idealistic

adjective

ide·​al·​is·​tic (ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈli-stik 

ˌī-dē-

1

: of or relating to idealists or idealism

2

a

: believing in ideals

idealistic activists

b

: not realistic or practical

a naïve and idealistic dreamer

idealistically

(ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌī-dē-

adverb

Synonyms of idealistic

• romantic
• impractical
• idealist
• utopian

Examples of idealistic in a Sentence

idealistic pacifists who thought that tyranny could be toppled by rational argument and mutual understanding

Recent Examples on the Web

Sinead Matthews also provides plenty of comic relief as Wigwam, Sarah’s well-meaning but idealistic hippie neighbor whose domestic bliss unravels in the unlikeliest circumstances. —Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2025

But, as Rensch came to find out, life in an idealistic commune often doesn’t end in spiritual happiness. —Ben Morse, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025

In a similar vein, pardon the pun, comes this Frank Wildhorn gothic musical about a Victorian-era doctor with two personalities, one an idealistic doctor, the other an evil murderer. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Oct. 2025

Being young and idealistic is Paul’s superpower, and the fire in her belly inspires others to join her new organization, the National Women’s Party. —David John Chávez, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for idealistic

• anachronistic
• animalistic
• antagonistic
• antiphlogistic
• behavioristic
• cannibalistic
• capitalistic
• characteristic
• collectivistic
• deterministic
• ethnolinguistic
• expressionistic