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
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Recent Examples of ideal
Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025
In many areas of the South, soil pH needs to be adjusted to provide ideal conditions for peach trees.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
Averi Harper, ABC News, 26 June 2025
Each piece is photogenic, featherlight, and endlessly versatile—ideal for golden hour on the sundeck, shore excursions, casual dinners, and everything in between.
—Claire Volkman, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Adjective
The button-front detail and flattering V-neck add structure, while the floaty silhouette is ideal for warm weather.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025
In many areas of the South, soil pH needs to be adjusted to provide ideal conditions for peach trees.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
Noun
Democrats are torn between courting disillusioned moderates or doubling down on progressive ideals, between elevating new leaders or clinging to the old guard.
—Averi Harper, ABC News, 26 June 2025
Each piece is photogenic, featherlight, and endlessly versatile—ideal for golden hour on the sundeck, shore excursions, casual dinners, and everything in between.
—Claire Volkman, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
-
Final Approach The consequences are no longer theoretical.—
Emil Sayegh,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
For the first time in decades, the question of succession is no longer theoretical.—
Pegah Banihashemi,
Twin Cities,
2 July 2025
Adjective
-
Again, perfect as a new smart assistant and alarm clock in one.—
Nena Farrell,
Wired News,
8 July 2025
-
This still isn’t perfect, but as AI models improve, the software that these amateur developers create will become increasingly complex and robust.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Miloš had a wacky idea about Burt Reynolds for a while.—
Jordan Hoffman Updated,
EW.com,
10 July 2025
-
Just as the fish rise to the surface when the water is calm, your best ideas may surface when your mind is tranquil and wandering during an evening shower.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
This season, the brand stuck to the classics: silk lounge sets were paired with black one-pieces, and bikinis were matched with flowy skirts and pants.—
Alyssa Hardy,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
-
Bar Manager Brandon Curry has developed a beverage program with classics like the Lana espresso martini and inventive combinations with fun names such as the Piper No!, a mix of vodka, kumquat, mango and lemon.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars Robertson’s name has generated early buzz this summer, but not solely for extension purposes.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
-
Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.—
Steve Hruby,
The Enquirer,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
The films blend the mythical lore of trolls into a classic monster movie packaging.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
30 June 2025
-
And his government constructed a temple to Ram on the site of a former mosque in Ayodhya, the mythical birthplace of the eponymous hero of a Hindu epic.—
HARTOSH SINGH BAL,
Foreign Affairs,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Talent - the big challenge Ensuring a safe, flawless passenger experience and delivering on the team’s strategic mission requires dedicated, experienced employees.—
Judith Magyar,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Joe Portlock/Getty Images However, since the start of the 2025 season, Norris has been overshadowed by Piastri, who has improved his race starts, leading to flawless qualifying and race performances.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
The Double Shot made our reviewer's hair nice and smooth while giving it volume, and managed to give less frizz than other models.—
Boutayna Chokrane,
Wired News,
9 July 2025
-
Rae’s grandiose style was designed by hair artist Lucas Wilson, whose client list includes models Gabbriette and Emily Ratajkowski.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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