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 mythic
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
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
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 June 2025
Giving you multiple colorway options to flaunt depending on your mood, the bags are ideal for cutting down on single-use plastics, machine washable, and made out of soft cotton.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 June 2025
All inputs are clicky but quiet—ideal for office use where mechanical switch noise might be distracting.
—PC Magazine, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Adjective
Gelfond says the film’s visual scale and scope are ideal for the Imax experience.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 June 2025
Giving you multiple colorway options to flaunt depending on your mood, the bags are ideal for cutting down on single-use plastics, machine washable, and made out of soft cotton.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
Noun
Wayfair’s Epic Summer Sale ends June 16, and with it, steep discounts on thousands of airy bedding options ideal for warm weather.
—Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 June 2025
All inputs are clicky but quiet—ideal for office use where mechanical switch noise might be distracting.
—PC Magazine, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
-
The Athletic's Jim Bowden recently outlined a theoretical deal in which the Cardinals would trade Helsley, Arenado, and cash to the Detroit Tigers to land superstar prospect Kevin McGonigle.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
-
These frameworks are not theoretical, as they are based on real-world leadership challenges and offer actionable tools leaders can apply immediately.—
Tony Gambill,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Every great move leaves something behind; the goal isn’t to be perfect but committed.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
The Nike Cortez sneakers are my go-to—they’re easy, comfortable, and perfect for styling upon arrival, too.—
Elly Leavitt,
Vogue,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
This chicken dinner idea checks several of the essential boxes for cowboy cooking: a cast iron skillet, plenty of Southwestern flavor, and a cheesy topping.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 June 2025
-
Either way, there is much buzz about his big-picture ideas.—
Kairi Lowery,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
Hadid’s twist on the classic includes a crashing wave design across the footbed, paired with a minimalist beige strap.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
21 June 2025
-
The set, which was once a cult classic, but now should be regarded simply as a hugely successful release, also breaks into the top 10 on the Billboard 200.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
Noun
-
And the brands who roll with precision, purpose and personality will define the future of the category.—
Javier Hasse,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
-
That facility, whose purpose remains unclear, appears to be intact.—
Geoff Brumfiel,
NPR,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Even with the security, though, collectors and fans are able to get up close to items that may have previously seemed mythical.—
Larry Holder,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
-
The electric Nebraska has become a mythical object for Springsteen fans over the years, and there’s been a lot of evidence suggesting the tapes do exist.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
The Setup Is Perfect For Activism And Restructuring Red Lobster’s recent bankruptcy serves as a prime example of not wanting things to be flawless.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
-
Local water sausage executes a flawless 360,493° ultra-zoom mega spin.—
Bluesky Social,
Bluesky Social,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
In the cerebral artery flow model in the lab, Heit says, the milli-spinner was 100% effective at removing clots in more than 500 attempts.—
Ani Freedman,
Fortune,
27 June 2025
-
The model would frequently give away items completely for free, researchers added.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share