Synonyms of ideal

ideal 1 of 2

adjective

ī-ˈdē(-ə)l 

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

• theoretical
• metaphysical
• abstract
• conceptual
• mental
• speculative
• intellectual
• spiritual
• hypothetical
• ideational
• notional
• invisible
• cosmic
• transcendental
• impractical
• romantic
• conjectural
• immaterial
• utopian
• intangible
• imperceptible
• unreal
• transcendent
• ethereal
• nonmaterial
• insubstantial
• visionary
• incorporeal
• nonphysical
• unsubstantial
• impalpable
• insensible

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• physical
• concrete
• substantial
• visible
• sensible
• appreciable
• material
• tangible
• actual
• real
• noticeable
• definite
• discernible
• observable
• perceptible
• distinct
• detectable
• nonabstract
• defined
• palpable
• factual

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

• imaginary
• fictional
• mythical
• fictitious
• imagined
• fantasied
• imaginal
• fantastic
• unreal
• invented
• phantom
• fanciful
• theoretical
• chimerical
• fabulous
• make-believe
• unlikely
• notional
• romantic
• phantasmal
• legendary
• hypothetical
• phantasmic
• pretend
• visionary
• made-up
• fabled
• unbelievable
• abstract
• envisioned
• deceptive
• illusory
• visualized
• unconvincing
• envisaged
• conceived
• pictured
• nonexistent
• fictive
• delusive
• delusional
• hallucinatory
• phantasmagoric
• daydreamlike
• concocted
• fabricated
• inexistent
• feigned

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• real
• actual
• true
• existing
• genuine
• existent
• authentic
• realistic
• factual
• physical
• solid
• convincing
• substantial
• verifiable
• believable
• material
• tangible
• corporeal
• verified
• palpable

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

• perfect
• flawless
• excellent
• prime
• superb
• immaculate
• great
• terrific
• perfected
• absolute
• seamless
• faultless
• exceptional
• impeccable
• irreproachable
• unblemished
• classic
• picture-book
• picture-perfect
• polished
• letter-perfect
• entire
• superior
• marvelous
• fine
• indefectible
• expert
• special
• first-class
• fabulous
• superlative
• dandy
• whole
• first-rate
• complete
• consummate
• unsurpassed
• intact
• top
• masterly
• grand
• completed
• finished
• accurate
• correct
• fancy
• top-notch
• unspoiled
• precise
• exact
• high-grade
• unimpaired
• undamaged
• mint
• bulletproof
• uninjured
• airtight
• infallible
• unerring
• unfailing
• unmarred
• unbruised
• inerrant

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bad
• imperfect
• inadequate
• insufficient
• defective
• wanting
• flawed
• incomplete
• faulty
• deficient
• amiss
• unfinished
• censurable
• unpolished
• reproachable
• broken
• wrong
• fallible
• injured
• spoiled
• damaged
• impaired
• misshapen
• wretched
• atrocious
• inaccurate
• blighted
• incorrect
• imprecise
• malformed
• execrable
• inexact
• blemished
• disfigured
• vitiated
• marred
• defaced

ideal

2 of 2

noun

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

• idea
• model
• example
• incarnation
• patron saint
• beau ideal
• pinnacle
• classic
• paragon
• manifestation
• exemplar
• essence
• mirror
• principle
• nonpareil
• nonesuch
• paradigm
• role model
• eidolon
• guideline
• personification
• phantom
• embodiment
• archetype
• touchstone
• epitome
• pink
• zenith
• standard
• rule
• culmination
• apex
• gauge
• apotheosis
• pattern
• summit
• quintessence
• peak
• acme

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

• classic
• model
• perfection
• manifestation
• incarnation
• apotheosis
• beau ideal
• exemplar
• epitome
• quintessence
• zenith
• acme
• byword
• prototype
• paradigm
• height
• standard
• archetype
• avatar
• benchmark
• ultimate
• criterion
• incorporation
• personification
• embodiment
• paragon
• abstract
• last word
• touchstone
• meridian
• yardstick
• nonpareil
• embodier

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

• purpose
• goal
• plan
• aim
• idea
• objective
• intention
• intent
• thing
• dream
• object
• ambition
• target
• aspiration
• meaning
• design
• point
• end
• mark
• project
• name of the game
• hope
• desire
• pretension
• bourne
• scheme
• wish
• mind
• destination
• plot
• holy grail
• grail
• nirvana
• terminus

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• method
• means
• way

Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ideal

Adjective

The house holds the dangerous secrets of its inhabitants and is as much a character, so when the project was greenlit, finding the ideal dwelling was key to creating the right mysterious-yet-sexy atmosphere the narrative required. — Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026

No regulator would consider that an ideal consumer-protection policy. — Mark Lewyn, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

Noun

This ideal is made explicit in BAPS texts that affirm women’s equal spiritual standing and entitlement to religious practice and liberation. — Bhakti Mamtora, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Sorkin, whether as a writer or a writer-director, is known for his razor-sharp, rapid-fire dialogue and his examination of social and political ideals. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing ideal

• beau ideal