IDEALISM Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

idealism

noun

as in optimism

the attitude of a person who believes that it is possible to live according to very high standards of behavior and honesty youthful idealism romantic idealism

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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 idealism While his mum had a true appreciation for yankee idealism, King Charles is less enamored with the United States, especially in an era when Pax Americana seems so far removed from the present. —

Philip Elliott, Time, 27 Apr. 2026 As Michael moves into solo stardom and makes cunning business moves, the film captures how his seemingly naive idealism was also a form of ambition. —

Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026 Gone is idealism; in its place, lived experience. —

Brendan Hay, SPIN, 21 Apr. 2026 In Claude—a wayward young man whom everyone nonetheless finds promising—Louise sees a vessel for her remaining idealism. —

Brandy Jensen, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for idealism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealism

Noun

New studies are fueling optimism about the drugs’ potential role in prevention and treatment — especially in breast, colon and lung cancer.

— Ariana Eunjung Cha, Washington Post, 3 June 2026
The organization has guided enough candidates through multiple cycles to approach these situations with both honesty and genuine optimism, identifying specifically what needs to change and executing adjustments with the same rigor applied to initial preparation.

— Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 June 2026