ideal

ideal

noun

Definition of IDEAL

1

someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation <she's our ideal of the concerned, caring physician>

Synonyms beau ideal, classic, eidolon, exemplar, idea, model, nonesuch, nonpareil, paragon, patron saint

Related Words role model; embodiment, epitome, incarnation, manifestation, personification, phantom, pink; archetype, example, mirror, paradigm, pattern; guideline, principle, rule; gauge (also gage), standard, touchstone; essence, quintessence; acme, apex, apotheosis, culmination, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith

2

the most perfect type or example <the Taj Mahal in India is generally regarded as the ideal of Mogul architectural beauty>

Synonyms acme, apotheosis, beau ideal, byword, classic, epitome, exemplar, ideal, perfection

Related Words archetype, model, prototype; paradigm, standard; nonpareil, paragon; abstract, avatar, embodier, embodiment, incarnation, incorporation, manifestation, personification; height, last word, meridian, ultimate, zenith; benchmark, criterion, touchstone, yardstick

3

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish <his ideal is to make enough money so that he can retire at 50>

Synonyms aim, ambition, aspiration, bourne (also bourn), design, dream, end, idea, ideal, intent, intention, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, point, pretension, purpose, target, thing

Related Words grail, holy grail; plot, project, scheme; desire, hope, mind, wish; nirvana; destination, terminus

Near Antonyms means, method, way