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

b

: something that is idealized

2

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

The filmmakers seem to be making the point that our own kinder, gentler idealism is the outlier. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025

This could result in travel restrictions or a clash between idealism and hope, versus inevitable limitations or feelings of restriction. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 June 2025

At the time, the match felt like the sort of tectonic shift that had impacted the first leg, a resounding vindication for Mourinho’s pragmatism over Guardiola’s idealism. —Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

Through deeply human storytelling, the series transcends its historical setting to explore universal themes of violence, trauma, idealism, and the moral ambiguities of political conflict. —Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for idealism

• surrealism
• neorealism

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