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
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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
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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
Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Sounds like my ideal summer read.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Syda Segovia Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
The reversible design has quiltwork of spruce trees on one side and a neutral, beige side ideal for displaying in spring through fall.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Adjective
Both the French toast and berries need to rest overnight, so this is an ideal make-ahead brunch dish.
—Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Sounds like my ideal summer read.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
This grassroots heart work is how love becomes tangible and shifts from abstract ideals to lived reality and policy.
—Syda Segovia Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
The reversible design has quiltwork of spruce trees on one side and a neutral, beige side ideal for displaying in spring through fall.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
-
In solving an 80-year-old chemical mystery, the researchers have not only answered a long-standing theoretical question but also expanded the toolbox of modern chemistry.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
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Beat writer Lauren Williams walks us through a few theoretical trades here.—
Tyler Estep,
AJC.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
As players shoot around, Jake cradles a ball before blowing past an imaginary defender to hammer home a dunk.—
Mirin Fader,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
At the opening, Natalie, bored and filled with loathing for her parents, flees her family home by retreating into imaginary worlds of vivid, eroticized violence.—
Erin Somers,
The Atlantic,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Complete with zip pockets, a continuous drawstring loop, and reflective properties, these leggings are perfect for hiking, jogging, and other outdoor activities.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
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The 1-liter purse’s faux fur exterior feels cozy against the skin and is ideal for winter styling, according to Lululemon shoppers who give it a near-perfect rating.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Like most fiction, it’s made up of experiences, imagination, ideas, memories, emotions, speculation, knowledge and research.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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Original sketches, color swatches and archival images tracing the history of yoga wear — which went from loose to form-fitting — along with rolls of Align fabric offered a visual display of how Align evolved from an idea into a global franchise over a decade.—
Denni Hu,
Footwear News,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But, occasionally even the classics can use a little extra flavor to spice up a cold weeknight.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
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Now, Croft and Manheim step under the locks previously worn by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, who respectively voiced the parts in the original movie, now regarded as a modern classic and part of Disney Animation’s second renaissance.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.—
Ethan M. Stone,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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The core purpose of Taste Addison – promoting Addison's 200+ restaurants – will be reenvisioned to include new, year-round options to support and elevate North Texas' most vibrant dining hub.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Beverly, a waitress who had another daughter and then a son in the two years after Smith was born (and eventually one more daughter), had little time for her eldest’s metaphysical ponderings.—
Amy Weiss-Meyer,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
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The film follows a young couple (Qualley and Starkey), who inherit a farm in rural Arkansas and must conquer the demons, both physical and metaphysical, that haunt its legacy.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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As the voice of Rumi, Ejae performed the lead vocals of all the songs for HUNTR/X, the movie's fictional k-pop girl group that moonlights as demon hunters who protect the world from soul-sucking monsters.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
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In the fictional story of the Shakespeare family, their family tragedy leads Shakespeare to write Hamlet.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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