idealism

noun

ide·​al·​ism ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm 

ˈī-(ˌ)dē-

1

a

: the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence

Slowly, a distinctive blue-collar counterculture emerged; it was harsher, more anarchic. … There was none of the philosophical posturing, little of the youthful idealism.

—Joe Klein

b

: something that is idealized

… the real enemy of chivalric love, with its idealisms and quixotic denials … is permissiveness …

—Cleanth Brooks

2

philosophy

a(1)

: a theory that ultimate reality lies in a realm transcending phenomena

(2)

: a theory that the essential nature of reality lies in consciousness or reason

b(1)

: a theory that only the perceptible is real

(2)

: a theory that only mental states or entities are knowable

3

: literary or artistic theory or practice that affirms the preeminent value of imagination as compared with faithful copying of nature compare realism

Examples of idealism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Maybe there’s a bit of an idealism wrapped into that outcome. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026

Where does idealism meet reality for the 2026 Miami Dolphins? — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2026

To Winterman, Guidara’s idealism makes the everyday warmth of a competent restaurant staff seem spartan. — Adam Reiner, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2026

Pre-eminently rational and practical…his worldly wisdom effectively disguise[s] a shy and splendid idealism which is the very essence of the man. — Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1743, in the meaning defined at sense 2a(1)

Rhymes for idealism

• neorealism
• surrealism

Kids Definition

idealism

noun

ide·​al·​ism ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm 

ˈī-(ˌ)dē-

: the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence

idealist

-(ə-)ləst

noun

idealistic

(ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈlis-tik, 

ˌī-dē-

adjective

idealistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb