utopia

noun

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uto·pia | \ yu̇-ˈtō-pē-ə

Definition of utopia

1 often capitalized : a place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions

2 : an impractical scheme for social improvement

3 : an imaginary and indefinitely remote place

Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about utopia

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Did You Know?

In 1516, English humanist Sir Thomas More published a book titled Utopia. It compared social and economic conditions in Europe with those of an ideal society on an imaginary island located off the coast of the Americas. More wanted to imply that the perfect conditions on his fictional island could never really exist, so he called it Utopia, a name he created by combining the Greek words ou (meaning "no, not") and topos (meaning "place," a root used in our word topography). The earliest generic use of utopia was for an imaginary and indefinitely remote place. The current use of utopia, referring to an ideal place or society, was inspired by More's description of Utopia's perfection.

Examples of utopia in a Sentence

The town's founders wanted to create a Christian utopia. It's a nice place to live, but it's no Utopia.

Recent Examples on the Web His powerful words – delivered through sermons, speeches and books – symbolize a utopia to which our nation always aspires. — Javonte Anderson, USA TODAY, "Martin Luther King Jr.'s words of unity and truth transcend how they are often twisted," 18 Jan. 2021 Portland has long stood in the popular imagination as a liberal utopia full of offbeat, laidback inhabitants. — oregonlive, "How Portland’s Andy Ngo turned his war with ‘antifa’ into a dubious, best-selling book," 13 Feb. 2021 It’s a family-friendly utopia and also a bacchanalian nightmare. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "Sun, sand, and celluloid. These movies will transport you to Florida this winter," 3 Feb. 2021 Once again the socialist-Communist utopia of equality clashes with reality: The integration of children with special needs will not offer them any advantage, but rather more inequality and discrimination. — Itxu Díaz, National Review, "Spain’s Government Declares War on the Spanish Language," 25 Nov. 2020 The future won’t be a utopia—but then, neither were the good old days. — Johan Norberg, WSJ, "Why We Can’t Stop Longing for the Good Old Days," 26 Dec. 2020 Inspired by Peach Blossom Spring, the highwaymen have tried to create a bandit utopia. — James Mcelroy, Washington Examiner, "A Chinese guide to our cultural revolution," 31 Dec. 2020 With some futuristic sounds and slightly robotic voices mixed in, the song is like a gateway to a dream utopia. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "20 of the Best Sleeping Songs to Listen to When You’re Lying Awake at Night," 26 Dec. 2020 While Yago is living in his own utopia, Giovana feels trapped deep inside. — Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, "Here’s what’s screening at the Sundance Film Festival 2021," 15 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'utopia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.