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ideal

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of ideal

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 dealing with or expressing a quality or idea

honesty is an ideal entity that has more admirers than practitioners

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material,
physical

Antonyms for ideal

2 not real and existing only in the imagination

depicts an ideal society in which conflict and privation are unknown

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palpable,
tangible

Antonyms for ideal

3 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

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fallible

Antonyms for ideal

ideal

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of ideal (Entry 2 of 2)

1 someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation

she's our ideal of the concerned, caring physician

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role model

2 the most perfect type or example

the Taj Mahal in India is generally regarded as the ideal of Mogul architectural beauty

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paradigm,
standard

nonpareil,
paragon

3 something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

his ideal is to make enough money so that he can retire at 50

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grail,
holy grail

nirvana

Phrases Synonymous with ideal

name of the game

Near Antonyms for ideal

Frequently Asked Questions About ideal

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