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Synonyms
Examples of pipe dream in a Sentence
His plan for starting his own business was just a pipe dream.
opening our own restaurant has long been a pipe dream
Recent Examples on the Web
While Nasreen certainly does deserve to reclaim her true self, the notion that no one will get hurt in the process is a bit of a pipe dream.
—Lauren Wissot, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2024
But for many, that’s a pipe dream, and as the season goes along, the realization sets in that the A’s will be gone for good as far as Oakland is concerned.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 7 June 2024
Strong relationships may seem like a pipe dream for some people dealing with mental health obstacles.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2024
But if Harris is taking notes from Walz’s approach in Minnesota, that hope might be little more than a pipe dream.
—Rebecca Picciotto, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pipe dream
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pipe dream.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
from the fantasies brought about by the smoking of opium
First Known Use
1890, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near pipe dream
Cite this Entry
“Pipe dream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pipe%20dream. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
pipe dream
noun
: an unreal and fantastic idea, wish, or story
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