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

Neptune can represent imagination, spirituality, idealism and illusion, while Aries is concerned with selfhood, courage and initiation. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

Fueled by gritty guitars and a bluesy rock swagger, the song channels the music that shaped Twain’s youth while revisiting the confidence, freedom and idealism of adolescence. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 10 July 2026

But that, of course, is not usually, or even often, the actual case, and as her idealism falls by the wayside, the use of violence in pursuit of justice begins to make sense to her. — Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 6 July 2026

Wilson believes that’s a myopic way to view his idealism. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 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