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ideal

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noun

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ideal
Adjective
O'Hearn would be an ideal fit for the Mariners with his low strikeout rate of 15.4%, while their current options are striking out around 25% of the time. Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 Although the property prides itself on catering to families of all ages, two of the most beautiful suites are ideal for couples. Livia Hengel, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
For a time, this combination of wayward emotional expression and cultural openness, this embrace of other forms of beauty, seemed to embody a new, modern ideal. Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025 In film after film, his onscreen ideal of beauty embodies the spirit of opposition and revolt. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
  • With a degree in theoretical mathematics and geophysical fluid dynamics, Kapnick saw herself as uniquely positioned to take on that challenge.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 31 May 2025
  • This recent study, which does just that, studied two theoretical Population III stars: one 13 times as massive as the sun, and one 200 times as massive.
    Robin George Andrews, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Tranter points to that sentiment as a perfect example of why Erivo has become such a powerful voice in the entertainment industry.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 2 June 2025
  • When a consumer purchases a smart device compatible with a VPP, that is a perfect time to educate them about the benefits of enrollment.
    Amber Mullaney, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Sarah, 28, started searching online for low-key reveal ideas.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 4 June 2025
  • But, these beverages aren't always a good idea—here's what to consider before you order.
    Alice Oglethorpe, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Dior Maria Grazia Chiuri leaned hard into the classics, recreating the 1949 Poulenc dress for Jennifer Lawrence and the Junon for Natalie Portman.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 May 2025
  • The Fresh Prince of Bel Air alum shared throwback photos on Instagram May 23 from her time making the 1999 cult classic.
    Benjamin VanHoose, People.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • This was still wild country, and Fuller set off with the express purpose of producing a book about her journey.
    James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
  • These rituals included a physical action, an emotional expression and a shared sense of purpose.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • What makes the book so extraordinary is that is functions as a de facto catalogue for a mythical Rolex museum, chock full of images of timepieces from every Rolex era, dating to 1908, three years after the brand was founded.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 26 May 2025
  • The mythical creature is said to be the origin of the first Vietnamese people.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Road playoff wins also require flawless help defense and execution down the stretch, especially against an historically great team that entered the Finals 80-18.
    Shane Young, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The number of squeaky-clean eateries across South Florida took a dip last month, with the state posting its lowest count of flawless inspections since June 2023.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Our leaders intervened to retrain the model, preserving our commitment to personalized service.
    Braden Yuill, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Strong cited the new opt-out system being considered by the UK government, which would mean copyright holders would need to opt-out from having their material used for training AI models.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ideal

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