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
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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
Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2026
With the Black & Gold eyeing an MLS-record fifth consecutive shutout win to start the season, the first month and change could not have gone any better had head coach Marc Dos Santos mapped out an ideal scenario to begin his tenure in place of Steve Cherundolo.
—Josh Gross, Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
Those ideals inspired what was written into the Constitution, and the very idea that our Constitution must be amended and our nation improved by future generations who could redeem their shortcomings and address their imperfections through collective struggle and the democratic process.
—CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Adjective
The route offered an ideal mix of driving environments.
—Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2026
With the Black & Gold eyeing an MLS-record fifth consecutive shutout win to start the season, the first month and change could not have gone any better had head coach Marc Dos Santos mapped out an ideal scenario to begin his tenure in place of Steve Cherundolo.
—Josh Gross, Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
Thankfully, the patio is nice and large, ideal for bringing back some local tacos or breakfast burritos and chowing down under the sun.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
Those ideals inspired what was written into the Constitution, and the very idea that our Constitution must be amended and our nation improved by future generations who could redeem their shortcomings and address their imperfections through collective struggle and the democratic process.
—CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
-
For Jewish leaders, the threat is no longer theoretical.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Where previous editions treated AI with theoretical enthusiasm, this year’s market found practitioners speaking in more practical, and sometimes cautious, terms.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Bensley infuses his design with imaginary stories—in this case about adventurers, their steamer trunks emblazoned with fictitious initials.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Mom screams at Jane for being too old to have imaginary friends.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Don’t worry too much about things being perfect, either.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Ahead, 20 properties to book for your next postcard-perfect getaway.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This idea was unbearable, but watching her gasp for air was worse.—
Amanda Peet,
New Yorker,
21 Mar. 2026
-
What began as a risqué idea has grown into a cultural fixture in San Francisco, drawing skaters of all ages and backgrounds.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Central Austin Crown & Anchor A campus-area classic that serves the best old-school burger in town and frosty pitchers of cold beer.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The downstairs living space is designed to showcase views of the surrounding woodland forest, which can also be enjoyed outside, by the crackling wood stove, or while whipping up a Maine classic with the property’s lobster pot and popover pan.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Most of the money went to the nonprofit Viet America Society for a meals program for seniors and the disabled, but only a fraction was spent for that purpose, according to Do’s plea agreement in 2024.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
17 Mar. 2026
-
However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The movie addresses metaphysical questions such as the egregore of a generation, the nature of evil, and the search for God in times of His absence.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The most fundamental consequences of being struck by lightning are often metaphysical, and not easily communicable.—
Jacob Stern,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
His wife, played by Sedgwick, is his long-time star; Sosie and Travis play the fictional filmmaker’s kids, both of whom are working on his latest shoot in rural Texas.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The fictional ’90s sitcom star played by Lisa Kudrow has been around for three major shifts in the television industry.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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