Thesaurus

ideal

adjective

Synonyms and Antonyms of ideal

1 dealing with or expressing a quality or idea

Honesty is an ideal entity that has more admirers than practitioners.

Synonyms of ideal

abstract, conceptual, metaphysical, notional, theoretical (also theoretic)

Words Related to ideal

conjectural, hypothetical, speculative

cosmic (also cosmical), intellectual, mental, spiritual

ethereal, immaterial, incorporeal, insubstantial, nonmaterial, nonphysical, unsubstantial

impalpable, imperceptible, insensible, intangible, invisible

impractical, romantic, transcendent, transcendental, unreal, utopian, visionary

Near Antonyms of ideal

material, physical

appreciable, detectable, discernible (also discernable), noticeable, observable, palpable, perceptible, sensible, substantial, tangible, visible

defined, definite, distinct

actual, factual, real

Antonyms of ideal

concrete, nonabstract

2 not real and existing only in the imagination

He depicts an ideal society in which conflict and privation are unknown.

Synonyms of ideal

chimerical (also chimeric), fabulous, fanciful, fantasied, fantastic (also fantastical), fictional, fictitious, imaginal, imaginary, imagined, invented, made-up, make-believe, mythical (or mythic), notional, phantasmal, phantasmic, phantom, pretend, unreal, visionary

Words Related to ideal

fabled, legendary, romantic

abstract, hypothetical, theoretical (also theoretic)

unbelievable, unconvincing, unlikely

conceived, envisaged, envisioned, pictured, visualized

daydreamlike, deceptive, delusional, delusive, hallucinatory, illusory, phantasmagoric (or phantasmagorical)

concocted, fabricated, feigned, fictive

inexistent, nonexistent

Near Antonyms of ideal

authentic, genuine, true

factual, verifiable, verified

believable, convincing, realistic

corporeal, material, physical, solid, substantial

palpable, tangible

Antonyms of ideal

actual, existent, existing, real

3 being entirely without fault or flaw

She is an ideal candidate for the job.

Synonyms of ideal

absolute, faultless, flawless, immaculate, impeccable, indefectible, irreproachable, letter-perfect, perfect, picture-perfect, seamless, unblemished

Words Related to ideal

consummate, expert, masterly

classic, excellent, fabulous, fine, first-class, first-rate, grand, great, superb, superior, superlative, terrific, top, top-notch, unsurpassed

mint, unbruised, undamaged, unimpaired, uninjured, unmarred, unspoiled

exceptional, fancy, high-grade, special

inerrant, infallible, unerring, unfailing

Near Antonyms of ideal

deficient, inadequate, insufficient, wanting

blemished, blighted, broken, damaged, defaced, disfigured, impaired, injured, malformed, marred, misshapen, spoiled

Antonyms of ideal

amiss, bad, censurable, defective, faulty, flawed, imperfect, reproachable

ideal

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of ideal

1 someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation

She's our ideal of the concerned, caring physician.

Synonyms of ideal

beau ideal, classic, exemplar, idea, model, nonesuch, nonpareil, paragon

Words Related to ideal

embodiment, epitome, incarnation, manifestation, personification

archetype, example, mirror, paradigm, pattern

guideline, principle, rule

gauge (also gage), standard, touchstone

essence, quintessence

acme, apex, apotheosis, culmination, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith

2 the most perfect type or example

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

Synonyms of ideal

acme, apotheosis, beau ideal, byword, classic, epitome, exemplar, perfection, quintessence

Words Related to ideal

archetype, model, prototype

paradigm, standard

nonpareil, paragon

abstract, avatar, embodier, embodiment, incarnation, incorporation, manifestation, personification

height, meridian, ultimate, zenith

benchmark, criterion, touchstone, yardstick

3 something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

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

Synonyms of ideal

aim, ambition, aspiration, design, dream, end, goal, idea, intent, intention, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, point, pretension, purpose, target, thing

Words Related to ideal

grail, holy grail

plot, project, scheme

desire, hope, mind, wish

destination, terminus

Phrases Synonymous with ideal

name of the game

Near Antonyms of ideal

means, method, way

Synonym Discussion of ideal

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation. model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

- a decor that is a model of good taste

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

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

- American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

- cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

- never found a job that matched his ideal

Learn More about ideal

See words that rhyme with ideal Dictionary: Definition of ideal Medical Dictionary: Definition of ideal Spanish Central: Translation of ideal Nglish: Translation of ideal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ideal for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ideal

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