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
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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
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2026
Potatoes from the state stand out because of Idaho’s ideal growing conditions, including rich, volcanic soil, climate and irrigation, according to the Big Idaho Potato website.
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Zuri Primos,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2026
Taryn White,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
According to Manaker, the whole grains add fiber and fuel, making this snack ideal for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or a quick pick-me-up during the day.
—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Adjective
Conditions Friday just were ideal, with rain softening the greens during the week and Thursday overnight.
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Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2026
Potatoes from the state stand out because of Idaho’s ideal growing conditions, including rich, volcanic soil, climate and irrigation, according to the Big Idaho Potato website.
—
Zuri Primos,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2026
Noun
According to Nigar Hale, board chair of Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council, what makes the Finger Lakes region ideal for road trips is its remarkable geology and culture.
—
Taryn White,
USA Today,
29 June 2026
According to Manaker, the whole grains add fiber and fuel, making this snack ideal for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or a quick pick-me-up during the day.
—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
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Just as hedgehogs deplore foxes for a lack of theoretical ambition, foxes spend their time screaming at hedgehogs for missing this or that eloquent detail.
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The researchers found that the measurements matched theoretical calculations, thereby serving as evidence that thorium atoms can bind with each other.
Adjective
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In an age of visual and underground detection, why am I delayed at a traffic signal waiting for an imaginary vehicle to enter the intersection?
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This was long before the days of mo-cap or green screens, and acting with imaginary scene partners was far from the norm.
Adjective
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Mexico enters a must-win World Cup knockout against Ecuador at Azteca after a perfect group stage, three clean sheets and record-shattering crowds.
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Diop found separation behind all-world defender Virgil van Dijk and headed Chemsdine Talbi's perfect cross into the goal.
Noun
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So, Larry took a shine to this idea very quickly, in a way that Larry rarely takes a shine to anything.
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The World's Fair, as it's also known, introduced millions of people to inventions, architecture and ideas that still influence our lives today.
Noun
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Ray-Ban Wayfarers are included in this week’s deals, an iconic classic no sunglass selection should be without.
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Eddie Murphy’s comedy classic serves a feast of romance, mistaken identities, and enough barbershop philosophy to fill a kingdom.
Noun
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Sheriff's officials said a detailed investigation determined three employees used the system for non-law enforcement purposes, violating both agency policy and Georgia law.
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Protect your space, then re-engage with purpose.
Adjective
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In both the real and metaphysical locations of the show, the backgrounds are all painted by hand, something which was pointed out took up a lot of time due to the number of paintings in the show and due to the number of montages.
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In the 18th century Samuel Johnson coined the term metaphysical poets to criticize Donne, John Cleveland, and Abraham Cowley.
Adjective
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Aside from the fictional King Kong, who first appeared in a 1933 film atop the skyscraper, others in real life legally — and illegally — climbed the famous skyscraper.
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In honor of The Bear’s final season, Jono Pandolfi’s signature white and toasted clay dinnerware (featured in the fictional restaurant) is 15% off.
Cite this Entry
“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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