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Definition of ideal
1 : existing as an archetypal idea
2a : existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only; broadly : lacking practicalityb : relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions
3a : of, relating to, or embodying an ideal ideal beautyb : conforming exactly to an ideal, law, or standard : perfect an ideal gas — compare real 2b(3)
4 : of or relating to philosophical idealism
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Examples of ideal in a Sentence
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.
Recent Examples of ideal from the Web
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Every bite of the carne asada burrito ($5.99) proved to be ideal, the steak rich and slightly crisp at the edges, while the rice, beans and sour cream made for a filling and tasty experience.
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A workforce that that’s built on flexibility and experimentation sounds ideal.
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Baumgartener gets to ham it up in the Barrymore role, and Newman makes his ideal foil.
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Regardless, searching for my ideal sports bra without setting foot in a store made the typically disheartening task more fun.
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The breezy two-story space is ideal for an IPA or three and a game of Sorry! (even if some pieces are missing).
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When the bulk of leases expired in 1991, the vegetation grew back, creating an ideal environment for the fireflies.
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This Under Armour performance polo with the Auburn Tigers emblem would be an ideal gift for the dad that likes to look sharp while supporting his team.
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Temperatures are ideal for those with outdoor plans, falling through the 70s after sunset.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ideal'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of ideal
Middle English ydeall, from Late Latin idealis, from Latin idea
Other Physics Terms
ideal
Definition of ideal
1 : a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence
2 : one regarded as exemplifying an ideal and often taken as a model for imitation
3 : an ultimate object or aim of endeavor : goal
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
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 of ideal from the Web
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Indeed, a specific piece of art, Pierre Du Fayet's fiberglass and gold-leaf sculpture known as The People Tree, prominently symbolizes the community's unifying ideals at its downtown lakefront perch.
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ARTS & CULTURE Pippa Garner at Redling Fine Art: Vehicles for clever satire Artist Pippa Garner is a sublime satirist, wreaking havoc on folksy American ideals like ingenuity and open-mindedness.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ideal'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of ideal
15th century
Synonym Discussion of ideal
IDEAL Defined for English Language Learners
ideal
playDefinition of ideal for English Language Learners
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: exactly right for a particular purpose, situation, or person
ideal
Definition of ideal for English Language Learners
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: an idea or standard of perfection or excellence
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: someone or something that is believed to be perfect : someone or something that you admire and want to imitate
IDEAL Defined for Kids
Definition of ideal for Students
1 : a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence He couldn't live up to his own ideals.
2 : someone who deserves to be imitated or admired She considered the older woman her ideal.
Medical Dictionary
ideal
Medical Definition of ideal
: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence self-criticism and the formation of ideals are…the essential manifestations of the superego—G. S. Blum
Learn More about ideal
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ideal Spanish Central: Translation of ideal Nglish: Translation of ideal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ideal for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ideal
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