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
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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
Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 24 July 2025
The crisp lines make this an ideal addition to a minimalist space.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2025
Samuel Moyn, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
Research has shown that insects will likely find Ohio's weather ideal and become established.
—Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Adjective
Just off the coast near Fort Myers, Captiva Island's unique curve in the Gulf creates ideal conditions for world-class shelling.
—Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 24 July 2025
The crisp lines make this an ideal addition to a minimalist space.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2025
Noun
Politicians should weigh genuine options and be forced, to whatever extent possible, to explain their ends, rather than treat such ideals as democracy and freedom like smoke screens for secret ones.
—Samuel Moyn, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
Research has shown that insects will likely find Ohio's weather ideal and become established.
—Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
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The theoretical ways drugs can affect heat tolerance are well-known, but there haven't been enough systematic analyses looking at how, and at what levels, and for whom drugs affect heat tolerance, says Yorgi Mavros, a heat expert at The University of Sydney.—
Alejandra Borunda,
NPR,
30 July 2025
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The doctrine of communication by conduct is not merely a theoretical construct.—
Majeed Javdani,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
There's a wealth of options these days, from little soft-sided coolers perfect for a day trip to heavy-duty, high-performance wheeled coolers with ice retention times that seem to defy the sun—like our top pick, the Yeti Tundra Haul ($450).—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
20 July 2025
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In the post’s third slide, Mahomes posed alongside her husband Patrick Mahomes, and their two children, Sterling and Bronze, while wearing a plain T-shirt, black shorts, and a fuss-free crossbody bag perfect for days spent chasing little ones.—
Averi Baudler,
People.com,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
What does the heat index chart look like? To get an idea of how air temperatures and humidity levels produce apparent temperatures, here is the NWS' heat index chart.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
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Notable Music speakers: Wyclef Jean, Wynonna Judd, 2016: President Barack Obama discusses civic engagement, while first lady Michelle Obama's talks about her Let Girls Learn initiative and using music to promote ideas.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
The film didn’t perform well, but the soundtrack has become a cult classic, and now, The Pick of Destiny has become a commercial success.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
The Steven Spielberg classic is celebrating its 50th anniversary, the creature feature birthing the modern-day summer blockbuster on June 20, 1975.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
As Wolf says, cannabis hospitality’s future belongs to those who serve purpose, not novelty — building a new kind of travel rooted in mindfulness, connection and place.—
Javier Hasse,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
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Legally, the Department of Defense can make military bases available to any federal, state or local law enforcement officials for law enforcement purposes, according to the National Immigration Law Center.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 July 2025
Adjective
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Py for the programming language Python, and Theus for Theseus, after the Greek hero who killed the mythical Minotaur.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
21 July 2025
-
The name Siren's Curse comes from the mythical sirens who reside in Lake Erie and lure sailors with their singing.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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The illusion was flawless, the synchronization perfect.—
Luciana Cemerka,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
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Any robotaxi service, Waymo included, needs to be virtually flawless in order to scale the service safely—yet with Tesla there’s no sign of that, according to Martinez.—
Christiaan Hetzner,
Fortune,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
The pool brand names and model numbers can be found on the pool liner on the outside of the pool.—
Melina Khan,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
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As for the model’s market value, a 1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT sold for $1.765 million through the Gooding Christie’s Amelia Island Auctions in March.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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