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
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
Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
This Lifting & Firming Face Primer from Kelly Zhang is packed with peptides, soothing aloe, and brightening orange peel extract to help smooth, firm, and illuminate skin, all while creating an ideal base for makeup.
—Sara Tan, Allure, 27 Feb. 2026
Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
Kelce leading the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns a year ago is a terrific personal accomplishment — but a less-than-ideal reality for the team.
—Sam McDowell 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Adjective
Their metrics have ticked up slightly, to 42 in Kenpom and 43 in the NET but a less ideal 53 in WAB and 54 in strength of record.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
This Lifting & Firming Face Primer from Kelly Zhang is packed with peptides, soothing aloe, and brightening orange peel extract to help smooth, firm, and illuminate skin, all while creating an ideal base for makeup.
—Sara Tan, Allure, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
So, the ideal is just enough for people to discuss afterwards.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
Kelce leading the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns a year ago is a terrific personal accomplishment — but a less-than-ideal reality for the team.
—Sam McDowell 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
-
For now, that’s all theoretical, as California Democrats scramble to avoid their party from getting boxed out of the November gubernatorial ballot.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
-
For instance, a theoretical visit by a Taiwanese military official to the Pentagon could interest China, given its longstanding vow to reunite Taiwan with the mainland.—
Kim Hjelmgaard,
USA Today,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Casa Maruka Cleverly channeling an old-fashioned casa de comidas complete with an imaginary granny (Maruka) at the stove and classic Spanish dishes tweaked for modern tastes, Alberto Serrano and Maria José Calabria continue to preside over what may be Palma’s most consistently enjoyable restaurant.—
Paul Richardson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
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Locate the two uppermost stars — Merak and Dubhe — and draw an imaginary line from the former through the latter and out into space.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Niseko Village is also home to an international ski school, a handful of brilliant restaurants, an outdoor activity park that’s perfect for summer, and two golf courses.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Cooper's game-winning catch at Penn State is a perfect example of that.—
Joe Nguyen,
Denver Post,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Perhaps its incorporation of vogue ideas dazzles critics who might otherwise discern its awfulness (Amazon’s Transparent).—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Feb. 2026
-
While Moore and her friend ran through some ideas, her son picked up a camera, began taking pictures, and directed them to strike certain poses.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The menu includes classics like salads, pizzas, fish tacos, sandwiches, and orders arrive promptly without long waits.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
-
MacKinnon played in all six games for Canada at the Olympics in Milan, earning a silver medal after the United States won the final, 2-1, in overtime in an instant classic.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Natanz facility was built for uranium enrichment purposes.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Mar. 2026
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The purpose is to foster humility, reduce a person’s anxiety by releasing their need for control and provide an external source of strength for long-term recovery.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The general thrust of the changes were to de-melodramatize Salieri’s action and to focus more attention on his guilt and metaphysical torment.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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But, after Hume, liberals came increasingly to find even the barest invocation of metaphysical principles to be an embarrassment.—
Christopher Beha,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
German defense technology startup SWARM Biotactics has deployed programmable cyborg insect swarms for paying NATO customers, including German military forces, moving a seemingly fictional concept from experiments to operational field use.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Feb. 2026
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On Friday, Bella Hadid stepped out in Milan to promote her new collaboration with Miss Sixty, rocking blunt platinum bangs reminiscent of the fictional pop star.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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