idealist

1 of 2

noun

ide·​al·​ist ī-ˈdē-(ə-)list 

ˈī-(ˌ)dē-

1

: one guided by ideals

especially : one that places ideals before practical considerations

a mix of idealists and realists

2

a

: an adherent of a philosophical theory of idealism

b

: an artist or author who advocates or practices idealism in art or writing

idealist

2 of 2

adjective

: idealistic

Synonyms of idealist

Noun

• dreamer

Adjective

• romantic
• idealistic
• impractical
• utopian

Examples of idealist in a Sentence

Noun

an idealist sees the best in everyone, regardless of how they behave

Adjective

an idealist attempt to make a go of a mom-and-pop hardware store on Main Street

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Jeffrey Epstein is mentioned, as is Jimmy Kimmel, whose interview with this fresh-faced idealist was not allowed to air on ABC's airwaves. — Philip Elliott, Time, 30 Sep. 2026

At its core, Dark Matter is a series about the folly and hubris of humankind, even when — nay, especially when — idealists have the power to achieve transformative change. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Adjective

The devastating climax of the story occurs when Cal Trask (Joseph Zada) takes his idealist twin Aron (Joe Anders) to see their mother’s brothel, driving Aron to join the army and then get killed in WWI. — Max Gao, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026

Sagittarius is an idealist sign that can totally relate to this tale of enduring relationships. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Adjective

1856, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for idealist

• surrealist