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ideal

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ideal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ideal are example, exemplar, model, and pattern. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

When can example be used instead of ideal?

The synonyms example and ideal are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When might exemplar be a better fit than ideal?

The words exemplar and ideal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

In what contexts can model take the place of ideal?

The words model and ideal can be used in similar contexts, but model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

When could pattern be used to replace ideal?

Although the words pattern and ideal have much in common, pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ideal
Adjective
This speaker is ideal for kitchens or bedrooms to enjoy casual music listening, employ smart home voice control, and set daily alarms. Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 12 May 2025 And if the fit around the nose isn’t ideal, try one of the other nosepieces included with your purchase—one is bound to feel just right. Lauren Wingenroth, SELF, 1 May 2025
Noun
Once anchored in civic virtue and outward-facing ideals, happiness was increasingly treated as a personal feeling — a matter of mood, not meaning. January Lavoy Krish Seenivasan Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 3 May 2025 Though he was known for his progressive ideals, Francis' work may have helped create a further divide among the more conservative and liberal patrons of the Catholic Church. Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
  • But to sacrifice Negan to The Dama in theoretical perpetuity?
    Charlie Mason, TVLine, 5 May 2025
  • And none of us could have imagined that our theoretical models would fit the data so well.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • These antibacterial wipes are perfect for quick cleanups when sanitizer alone doesn’t cut it.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2025
  • This reliable mesh is perfect for families looking to welcome Wi-Fi 7 into their homes.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter from April 27, had his own idea, and commented on the naming change.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Down a long hall is the Youth Leadership Council, a plenary of teens who brainstorm ideas for these Wednesday gatherings.
    Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • The bar features a rotating selection of seasonal cocktails, like the Industry Negroni, a complex and boozy take on the classic featuring Fernet Branca, Campari, Green Chartreuse and orange bitters.
    Emily Bloch, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 May 2025
  • The 1985 classic spent two weeks at No. 1 during its original run and remains one of five chart-toppers for the band.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • His purpose was to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the genocide and advocate for the release of 23 hostages detained in Azerbaijan.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • The screen served different purposes at different junctures.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Helios, the Greek god of the sun, and Luna, the mythical goddess of the moon, stand guard at either end of Celestial Park.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025
  • The green obsidian was also thought to have a symbolic connection to Tollan, a mythical city where the god Quetzalcoatl lived, which was believed to be the ancestral origin of Mexico’s civilizations.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even though the interior usually remains hidden (the chassis isn't a transparent-sided wonder), Falcon's cable management is flawless.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 12 May 2025
  • Opt for this Laura Geller powder foundation to keep your skin matte and flawless on hot and sticky days.
    Shalwah Evans, People.com, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Other industries that have also taken advantage of young people’s vulnerability with similar business models have been regulated to some degree, Sunderland said, citing the example of the tobacco or alcohol industries being required to put warning labels on products.
    Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • Don't just grab the first random model that pops up on Amazon, though, as some just aren't that great.
    Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ideal

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