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

Conceived as a Halloween dress-up icon, Esmerelda exists almost entirely to thwart the idealistic new editor and his dreams of keeping journalism alive. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 June 2026

Nat Kitcharit plays Mek, an idealistic young lawyer whose faith in the system is systematically dismantled after he is framed for the murder of the son of Anan (Songsit Roongnophakunsri), a powerful police chief. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 June 2026

Or that a group of idealistic actors searching for a home for an outdoor theater would find the perfect natural amphitheater here—and build it into a Tony Award-winning company that draws audiences from across the country? —Charles Usher, Midwest Living, 10 June 2026

The familiar, idealistic version of his legacy is one that has been carefully curated. —Literary Hub, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for idealistic

• agonistic
• altruistic
• animistic
• aphoristic
• atheistic
• atomistic
• cabalistic
• calvinistic
• chauvinistic
• dualistic
• egoistic
• egotistic