idealistic

adjective

ide·​al·​is·​tic (ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈli-stik How to pronounce idealistic (audio)
ˌī-dē-
: of or relating to idealists or idealism
idealistically adverb

Examples of idealistic in a Sentence

idealistic pacifists who thought that tyranny could be toppled by rational argument and mutual understanding
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Exhibiting an eclectic array of academic excellence, robust pursuit of agricultural and STEM innovations, and idealistic ambitions, they are headed to prestigious universities, including CalTech, Cornell, MIT, Northwestern, and Cal Poly. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2025 Bruckheimer also suggested that Denzel Washington, who played an idealistic executive officer locked in a heated battle for control of a nuclear submarine against Gene Hackman’s domineering commanding officer, might be convinced to take another trip beneath the waves. Brent Lang, Variety, 2 July 2025 In 1970, the idealistic Democrat ran for Congress, getting a surprising 44% of the vote in a heavily Republican district. Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 From an idealistic kid to a ‘police officer in reverse’ Slosar is the product of the brief union of a couple who married too young, according to his mother. Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for idealistic

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of idealistic was in 1824

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idealistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idealistic. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on idealistic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!