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

Of funny, idealistic, scary-smart workaholics — coming up on three generations of them — who want to make things better by making things better. —Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026

Founder Mark Roberts has an infectious idealistic zeal and a great cascading beard. —Adam Sachs, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026

Wherever the Cubans went, they were countered by Americans—more square, but often just as idealistic—determined to hold the line for democracy and human rights. —Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026

The messenger – idealistic French emigré, Charles Darnay (François Civil) – is arrested and charged with treason. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026

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