ideal

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

• 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

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

In other words, while artificial intelligence marks a significant technological evolution, questions about whether to use Claude or ChatGPT are less important than how AI can help promote ideals such as truth, justice and the common good. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Here, against the intimate interiority of this elegant narrative, untamed urges clash with Confucian ideals of filial piety and Buddhist undertones of the suffering caused by worldly attachments. —Literary Hub, 28 May 2026

Venus moves through Cancer through June 13, making the first half of the month ideal for easy, fulfilling travel, weekend getaways, and quality time with close friends in familiar or newly discovered places. —Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 May 2026

Corporate America may not have completely abandoned the values and ideals of DEI. —Beth Kowitt, Mercury News, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ideal

• beau ideal
• ego ideal
• far from ideal
• ideal point

Rhymes for ideal

• abele
• alkyl
• anneal
• appeal
• cartwheel
• conceal
• congeal
• coquille
• corneal
• cornmeal
• flywheel
• genteel

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