ideal

1 of 2

adjective

ide·​al ī-ˈdē(-ə)l  ˈī-ˌdē(-ə)l 

1

: exactly right for a particular purpose, person, or situation

the ideal spot for vacation

an ideal opportunity

The conditions were far from ideal. [=not good at all]

2

a

: of, relating to, or embodying an ideal

ideal beauty

b

: conforming exactly to an ideal, law, or standard : perfect

an ideal gas

compare real sense 1c(4)

3

a

: existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only

broadly : lacking practicality

b

: relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions

4

: of or relating to philosophical idealism

5

philosophy : existing as an archetypal idea

ideal

2 of 2

noun

1

: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence

statues reflecting the ancients' ideal of beauty

2

: one regarded as exemplifying an ideal and often taken as a model for imitation

considers the athlete his ideal

3

: an ultimate object or aim of endeavor : goal

living up to their ideals

4

: a subset of a mathematical ring that is closed under addition and subtraction and contains the products of any given element of the subset with each element of the ring

idealless

ī-ˈdē(-ə)l-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms of ideal

Adjective

• theoretical
• metaphysical
• abstract
• conceptual

Noun

• idea
• model
• example

Choose the Right Synonym for ideal

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation.

model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

Examples of ideal in a Sentence

Adjective

It was an ideal spot for a vacation.

She is an ideal candidate for the job.

The conference provided us with an ideal opportunity to meet new people.

Noun

an ideal of romantic love

He hasn't lived up to his high ideals.

She considers the actress her ideal.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

An early pioneer of the warehouse-as-museum, the Geffen Contemporary, as it’s now called, has proved to be the ideal container for exhibitions that would be difficult to stage anywhere else. —Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2025

The hotels are ideal for relaxation, with most offering in-house spas to unwind. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2025

Noun

Cats gave her aesthetic pleasure and comfort—her ideal of beauty was a sleeping cat. —Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025

This could create a potential opening for governors to chart the future for the party in a way that hasn't been tangible since Bill Clinton and his centrist ideals helped break a presidential losing streak for the left after 12 years of Republicans holding the White House in the late 20th century. —Hunter Woodall, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English ydeall, from Late Latin idealis, from Latin idea

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ideal

• beau ideal
• ego ideal
• ideal point

Rhymes for ideal

• afebrile
• bookmobile
• cochineal
• nonideal
• peroneal
• philomel
• popliteal
• snowmobile
• waterwheel
• abele
• alkyl
• anneal

Kids Definition

ideal

1 of 2 adjective

ide·​al ī-ˈdē(-ə)l 

ˈī-ˌdē(-ə)l

1

: existing only in the mind : not real

a purely ideal conception of society

2

: having no flaw : perfect

ideal weather

ideal

2 of 2 noun

1

: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence

2

: a perfect type : a model for imitation

Medical Definition

ideal

1 of 2 adjective

ide·​al ī-ˈdē(-ə)l  ˈī-ˌ 

1

: existing as an archetypal idea

2

a

: existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only

b

: relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions

ideal

2 of 2 noun

: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence

self-criticism and the formation of ideals are … the essential manifestations of the superego

—G. S. Blum