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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Arendt then cited Wilhelm Marr’s Sieg des Judentums über das Germanentum (The Victory of Judaism over Teutonism, 1869), thus lining up all the antisemitic pipe dreams that came close to fulfillment. — Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026 Forever is not just a pipe dream for the high school senior after winning the Jimmy Award. — Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 When brand new entry-level telescopes start at a few hundred dollars, the idea of getting anything decent for pocket change sounds like a pipe dream. — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Before 1999, the thought of all your favorite video game characters beating the tar out of each other on the same video game console felt like a pipe dream. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 July 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
  • However, his raging protectiveness over what might be lost — language, attire, ritual, even memory — grows more pronounced as Rio veers further into phantasmagoria by way of dreams and visions.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Hobson went on to extol Lucas’ vision and his ability to never waver from his dream for the museum.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of dream
Noun
  • However, this daily limitation is an illusion of protection because customers report the number of transactions that day, rather than requiring the crypto kiosk industry to implement available technology to ensure compliance.
    — Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Zoom out from New York, though, and the illusion starts to fade.
    — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of illusion
Noun
  • It's inspired by Snoopy's daydream of being the coolest beagle on campus.
    — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The next day, Luwi had a similar daydream, but this time the disapproving patriarch was Gajdusek.
    — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of daydream
Noun
  • Football is putting itself in a bit of jeopardy, allowing people to experience it without caring, entertaining the fantasy and gambling and the social aspect.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Directed by Kei Oikawa and based on the manga series by Nagano, the fantasy adventure follows Chiikawa and companions traveling to an island paradise before uncovering an ominous threat.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of fantasy
Noun
  • Enjoy the vision, but notice whether anyone besides you is willing to carry it forward.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
  • For now, the vision involves replacing the aging Indian Creek bridge, rebuilding intersections on either end, and constructing an overpass to carry cars over the Union Pacific tracks on the south bank of the stream.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Sep. 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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