ideal

1 of 2

adjective

ide·​al ī-ˈdē(-ə)l  ˈī-ˌdē(-ə)l 

1

a

: of, relating to, or embodying an ideal

ideal beauty

b

: conforming exactly to an ideal, law, or standard : perfect

an ideal gas

compare real sense 1c(4)

2

a

: existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only

broadly : lacking practicality

b

: relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions

3

: of or relating to philosophical idealism

4

: existing as an archetypal idea

ideal

2 of 2

noun

1

: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence

2

: one regarded as exemplifying an ideal and often taken as a model for imitation

3

: an ultimate object or aim of endeavor : goal

4

: a subset of a mathematical ring that is closed under addition and subtraction and contains the products of any given element of the subset with each element of the ring

idealless

ī-ˈdē(-ə)l-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

Adjective

• abstract
• conceptual
• ideational
• metaphysical
• notional
• theoretical
• theoretic

Noun

• beau ideal
• classic
• eidolon
• exemplar
• idea
• model
• nonesuch
• nonpareil
• paragon
• patron saint

Choose the Right Synonym for ideal

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation.

model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

Examples of ideal in a Sentence

Adjective

It was an ideal spot for a vacation.

She is an ideal candidate for the job.

The conference provided us with an ideal opportunity to meet new people.

Noun

an ideal of romantic love

He hasn't lived up to his high ideals.

She considers the actress her ideal.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

As this writer mentioned in a recent mailbag, the ideal scenario for the Panthers at No. 33 is to have a wide receiver, cornerbacks or edge rusher with an internal first-round grade fall to the second round. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2024

The jacket fits snugly with an adjustable Velcro strap across the belly and is the ideal fit for dogs 12 to 23 inches long. —Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024

Then, ponder the three qualities this ideal person must have. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2024

This seemed to be an ideal opportunity: Iran, for the first time from its own territory, brazenly attacked Israel without just relying on shadowy terrorists or other proxies. —Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, TIME, 15 Apr. 2024

The ideal assets are iconic, but not distinctive: in theory, any one of them can be repeated, like a rubber stamp, such that a single redwood could compose an entire forest. —Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2024

Blumberg, who was the originator of the bed and restaurant tax that has financed hotel, tourism and cultural and sports facilities across Miami-Dade County, said the stadium renovation would be an ideal use of the fund. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2024

In the next few weeks, Holmes Chapel Partnership will be on the hunt for the most ideal candidates for the role. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2024

The quest for the ideal balance of support, style and ergonomics can be a daunting task. —Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2024

Noun

This ideal meant there was little space for Black country artists like Linda Martell, who Beyoncé referenced on Cowboy Carter. —TIME, 12 Apr. 2024

Donald Trump’s ideals are not those of what used to be the Republican Party. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024

Despite delivering deep hydration, the serum is surprisingly lightweight and sinks into the skin relatively quickly, with a smooth dry-down ideal for layering with other treatments and moisturizers. —Danielle Cohen, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2024

For decades, the Olympics trumpeted the ideal of amateurism. —Victor Mather, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024

Inside, the new house has extra insulation to block indoor and outdoor noise, an expansive kitchen to entice residents to cook healthy meals, and temperature controls in each bedroom to promote a better night’s sleep (the ideal is 66 to 68 degrees, health experts say). —Rebecca San Juan, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2024

With a post-stock market crash-depression and a dustbowl ensuing ,and a Second World War looming, the democratic ideals of Ancient Greece fueled the escapist arts of the era. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024

That utopian ideal was carried forward by the Paris Commune and, eventually, the Soviets, who sought to erase from the human experience concepts such as property, enterprise, and individuality. —Noah Rothman, National Review, 28 Mar. 2024

Often, the views and values of a company’s workforce mirror broader public sentiments, and what workers think may also represent the ideals of its customers. —Sander Van 't Noordende, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English ydeall, from Late Latin idealis, from Latin idea

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ideal

• beau ideal
• ego ideal
• far from ideal
• ideal point

Kids Definition

ideal

1 of 2 adjective

ide·​al ī-ˈdē(-ə)l 

ˈī-ˌdē(-ə)l

1

: existing only in the mind : not real

a purely ideal conception of society

2

: having no flaw : perfect

ideal weather

ideal

2 of 2 noun

1

: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence

2

: a perfect type : a model for imitation

Medical Definition

ideal

1 of 2 adjective

ide·​al ī-ˈdē(-ə)l  ˈī-ˌ 

1

: existing as an archetypal idea

2

a

: existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only

b

: relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions

ideal

2 of 2 noun

: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence

self-criticism and the formation of ideals are … the essential manifestations of the superego

—G. S. Blum