idealist

noun

ide·​al·​ist ī-ˈdē-(ə-)list 

ˈī-(ˌ)dē-

1

: one guided by ideals

especially : one that places ideals before practical considerations

a mix of idealists and realists

2

a

: an adherent of a philosophical theory of idealism

b

: an artist or author who advocates or practices idealism in art or writing

Synonyms of idealist

• dreamer

Examples of idealist in a Sentence

an idealist sees the best in everyone, regardless of how they behave

Recent Examples on the Web

Josh, who wants to be an investigative journalist, is an idealist in a PBS T-shirt (and with a PBS tote bag) who gets by on family money and is incapable of taking care of himself in any practical way. —Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026

Independent bookselling, rarely a way to get rich, is a meeting ground for idealists — for young people with a sense of mission, retirees embarking on a new life or middle-aged people no longer satisfied with their careers. —ABC News, 27 May 2026

Both a business and a calling Independent bookselling, rarely a way to get rich, is a meeting ground for idealists — for young people with a sense of mission, retirees embarking on a new life or middle-aged people no longer satisfied with their careers. —Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

In the early 20th century, a group of idealists set out to build a road that would connect towns and showcase the raw beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for idealist

• surrealist