1
as in model
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation
she is the beau ideal of the dedicated medical professional
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2
as in ideal
the most perfect type or example
Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous architectural creation, Falling Water, is widely regarded as the beau ideal of a building in harmony with its setting
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Recent Examples of beau ideal
The beau ideal of illiberal democracy is, of course, Viktor Orbán of Hungary, who outlined the term in a 2014 speech.
—
Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 31 Jan. 2024
Fieg is its beau ideal.
—Kareem Rashed, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2022
At Délice & Sarrasin, a charming French bistro in the West Village, vegans can bide their time in style, enticing new recruits with the beau ideal of meatless haute cuisine.
—David Kortava, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2021
If Hicks is the beau ideal in today’s MLB, then Miles Mikolas is a throwback to the Roosevelt administration.
—Michael Beller, SI.com, 23 May 2018
Conservatives like to imagine Reagan as the beau ideal of a president who faithfully adhered to their principles, but Trump is the president who has actually done it.
—Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, 23 Feb. 2018
There was a time when the beau ideal was to drive your sports car to the track, paint numbers on it, go racing and then drive home.
—Dan Neil, WSJ, 6 July 2017
If Teddy Roosevelt was the Harvard beau ideal at the turn of the last century, Mark Zuckerberg is the Harvard man to be in the new millennium.
—William Stadiem, Town & Country, 2 Aug. 2016
Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 31 Jan. 2024
Fieg is its beau ideal.
—Kareem Rashed, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2022
At Délice & Sarrasin, a charming French bistro in the West Village, vegans can bide their time in style, enticing new recruits with the beau ideal of meatless haute cuisine.
—David Kortava, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2021
If Hicks is the beau ideal in today’s MLB, then Miles Mikolas is a throwback to the Roosevelt administration.
—Michael Beller, SI.com, 23 May 2018
Conservatives like to imagine Reagan as the beau ideal of a president who faithfully adhered to their principles, but Trump is the president who has actually done it.
—Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, 23 Feb. 2018
There was a time when the beau ideal was to drive your sports car to the track, paint numbers on it, go racing and then drive home.
—Dan Neil, WSJ, 6 July 2017
If Teddy Roosevelt was the Harvard beau ideal at the turn of the last century, Mark Zuckerberg is the Harvard man to be in the new millennium.
—William Stadiem, Town & Country, 2 Aug. 2016
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beau ideal
Noun
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The Dreamliner is 25% more fuel-efficient than older models due to lighter construction and advanced engines.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Hence, clubs are turning to the player-trading model long pioneered, and more recently supercharged, by Chelsea.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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According to Szetela, this era of expression has seen authors and publishers — many committed to progressive ideals — choosing to self-censor to appease a moral panic roiling the political left.—
Kevin Dickinson,
Big Think,
2 Sep. 2025
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Fort George Hotel & Spa is a historic gem located in the heart of Belize City, perfect for culturally minded travelers, with proximity to the airport and deluxe treatments at K’in Spa, ideal for post-flight relaxation or Carnival recovery.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In the midst of feeling helpless, Kate said an idea took shape to commemorate the victims.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Sep. 2025
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And the 18-year-old Mastantuono has already brought fresh ideas to Madrid’s attack.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Hardcore fans of the nine-season NBC comedy classic may even remember that was the actual full name of the show’s in-universe documentary that aired in Season 9.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Her theater credits span Broadway classics like Company, Once Upon a Mattress, Tartuffe and Starlight Express, as well as a West End turn in Guys and Dolls — a role that nabbed her an Olivier Award.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Aside from Carnival, every locality on the island has its own festa dedicated to the patron saint of the town.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
28 Aug. 2025
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Meanwhile, winding alleys lead past plaques of Saint Catalina Thomàs—Mallorca’s patron saint—born in the village in 1533.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
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In another section, male nudes celebrate the body with an ode to classic perfection, enhancing strength and symmetry through a refined use of light and composition.—
Andrea Onate,
Footwear News,
3 Sep. 2025
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Audiences, especially the younger ones, are done with perfection.—
Leeron Walter,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The ad includes clips from news broadcasts covering, for example, Trump’s framework for a trade deal with the European Union.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
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The low, powerful finish from the edge of the box to beat Italy in the Under-21 Euros this summer was another example of his high ceiling in the final third.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Spiritual practices, such as affirmations and manifestations, are commonly incorporated into wellness influencer’s approach to achieving a cleaner and healthier lifestyle.—
Taylor Crumpton,
Time,
2 Sep. 2025
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The book will teach aspiring entrepreneurs about the power of manifestation as applied to creating and building a company.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Beau ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beau%20ideal. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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