1
as in theoretical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea
honesty is an ideal entity that has more admirers than practitioners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imaginary
not real and existing only in the imagination
depicts an ideal society in which conflict and privation are unknown
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in perfect
being entirely without fault or flaw
for years she's been searching for a man who would make an ideal husband, and she's still looking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in idea
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation
she's our ideal of the concerned, caring physician
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in classic
the most perfect type or example
the Taj Mahal in India is generally regarded as the ideal of Mogul architectural beauty
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
his ideal is to make enough money so that he can retire at 50
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ideal
Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 20 June 2026
The crewneck has an oversized fit that’s ideal for layering over summer tank-tops, and heck, even a swimsuit on windy beach days.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 20 June 2026
Jesse Wegman, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026
This queen mattress is less firm than other options and ideal for those who prefer a softer bed.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Adjective
Located about 20 miles northeast of Key West, Sugarloaf Key is an ideal destination for travelers who want easy access to all there is to love about the Lower Keys, while staying in a region of the Keys with distinctly local character.
—Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 20 June 2026
The crewneck has an oversized fit that’s ideal for layering over summer tank-tops, and heck, even a swimsuit on windy beach days.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 20 June 2026
Noun
Today, Wilson’s ideals are under threat.
—Jesse Wegman, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026
This queen mattress is less firm than other options and ideal for those who prefer a softer bed.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
-
Before that, the idea of one day becoming king was something distant and theoretical, a concept discussed in books and family history rather than something with immediate relevance to his own life.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
20 June 2026
-
This stopped being theoretical just this month.—
Renana Ashkenazi,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Other ideas involve arts and crafts projects, or playing imaginary games with her 8-year-old sister.—
Rhitu Chatterjee,
NPR,
19 June 2026
-
The Vision Award pays tribute to someone whose creative work has contributed to the renewal of the cinematographic imaginary.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
The Sparks were nearly perfect in the first quarter before committing their first turnover with under five minutes to play.—
Jordan Puente,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
The presidential suite has ergonomic desks and chairs (perfect for a working vacation) and brown leather details that give a cozy feel, plus floor-to-ceiling windows with unparalleled, unobstructed views of the city.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
In Labour circles, there is an old joke poking fun at Burnham’s chameleon-like ability to blend into whichever set of ideas is in vogue on the left at that moment in time.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
-
That idea guided nearly every aspect of the wardrobe.—
Precious Fondren,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Summer is the season to embrace colorful stones in addition to the classics.—
Aemilia Madden,
Vogue,
18 June 2026
-
During IndieWire’s Craft Roundtables panel, series production designer Susie Mancini spoke about fixing up the 1989 classic to retrofit it to a contemporary story.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Sheriff's officials said a detailed investigation determined three employees used the system for non-law enforcement purposes, violating both agency policy and Georgia law.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
-
Protect your space, then re-engage with purpose.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
23 June 2026
Adjective
-
Instrumental rock music of the kind Horse Lords make—hypnotic, hyper-focused, complex—usually carries a whiff of manifesto, offering a map toward transcendence of some political, metaphysical, or pick-your-variety kind.—
Jayson Greene,
Pitchfork,
16 June 2026
-
Rationality lurks in theology from the beginning, just as philosophy never shakes off its yearning for the metaphysical.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
The mural that wraps around the room depicts the colorful life of the bar’s namesake, Arabella Huntington, the second wife of railroad magnate Collis Potter Huntington, and the cocktails in the drinks menu are playfully written as fictional entries in Arabella’s diary.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 June 2026
-
In the show, the fictional version of Harrelson goes to stay at McConaughey's ranch in Austin, but things spiral out of control after McConaughey's mom, played by Holland Taylor, lets their possible familial connection slip.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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