pipe dream

noun

Definition of pipe dreamnext
as in dream
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality opening our own restaurant has long been a pipe dream

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 pipe dream The Information posited, while noting that since 2020, Meta’s Reality Lab division has lost $87 billion chasing metaverse pipe dreams. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026 But instant 100% tariffs look like a pipe dream given the constraints of the trade law. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 Once a pipe dream, the idea of a federal film subsidy now seems like a real possibility. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 June 2026 October is no longer a pipe dream for the Sox, so plan the rest of your summer accordingly. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pipe dream
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pipe dream
  1. dream
  2. illusion
  3. daydream
  4. fantasy
  5. vision
Noun
  • To make this dream a reality, Love partnered with other diverse DJs, like Melika Rahimi, a Persian woman whose DJ name is Melak, and Katie Espino, a Dominican woman who goes by Localuva.
    — Zuri Primos July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • Others, particularly members of younger generations, are questioning whether such a dream is really within reach — and if not, how to build a new roadmap to personal fulfillment.
    — Jennifer Liu Valentina Duarte, CNBC, 26 July 2026
Definition of dream
Noun
  • The pairing creates the illusion of mixing and matching patterns while still remaining cohesive.
    — Alice Cary, Vogue, 24 July 2026
  • This technique presents the illusion of two struggling baitfish simultaneously — one on the surface and the other just below.
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026
Definition of illusion
Noun
  • And amidst the momentum of reverie, there’s the line ‘Blink at the light and hope to survive,’ because daydreams in a fascist state can be scary too.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 June 2026
  • One-touch passing, feinting and ripping hard shots into a tattered net, each is super-charged by vivid daydreams of glory on the international stage.
    — Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2026
Definition of daydream
Noun
  • In that span, Egbuka was WR3 (overall and in fantasy points per game) with 25 receptions for 445 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 38 targets.
    — Jake Ciely, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Dynasty fantasy football owners should eye three running backs poised for significant value increases in 2026.
    — Steve Bradshaw, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of fantasy
Noun
  • Camera-wise, the WP68 Air gives you a 64-MP main camera, a 32-MP selfie camera, an 8-MP IR night-vision camera, and a 2-MP macro camera.
    — Joe Salas July 26, New Atlas, 27 July 2026
  • The super-app vision quietly followed the account target out the door.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of vision

Browse Nearby Words

pipe down
pipe dream
pipe dreams
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pipe dream.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pipe%20dream. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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