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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Recent Examples of idealism
In the Korea of these pages, threats to youthful idealism and ambition — the military, police and other institutional enforcers of the political regime — are unambiguous and in plain sight.
—
Camille Bromley, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
And its yearning idealism is a good antidote to the current prevailing cynicism.
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
For all its idealism and command of several languages, Kraftwerk recognized Atomic Age inventions had their own negatives.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
The bedrock of net zero policy rests economic pragmatism, not idealism.
—David Carlin, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idealism
Camille Bromley, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
And its yearning idealism is a good antidote to the current prevailing cynicism.
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
For all its idealism and command of several languages, Kraftwerk recognized Atomic Age inventions had their own negatives.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
The bedrock of net zero policy rests economic pragmatism, not idealism.
—David Carlin, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idealism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealism
Noun
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While the Trump administration has expressed optimism about a deal to cut the tariffs, even lower ones could have far-reaching effects.—
Pablo Robles,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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National security adviser Mike Waltz expressed optimism on where things stand regarding peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meeting with President Donald Trump over the weekend.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Leaders can use short, personal video messages for feedback, recognition and updates because video conveys something text never will: tone, sincerity and connection.—
Chris Savage,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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While some moments certainly sizzle more than others, there’s more than enough sincerity and goofy charisma on stage to keep the show powered.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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On the contrary, the narrative voice mixes naivete and disbelief.—
Bartolomeo Sala,
The Dial,
27 Mar. 2025
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One character starts with hope and naivete, and the other with the wisdom that comes from tough, life-altering experiences.—
Nick Jonas,
USA TODAY,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The Danish government dismissed Trump’s idea and critics mocked his supposed naivety.—
Ryan P. Burke,
Orlando Sentinel,
14 Feb. 2025
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My naivety was expunged in my first few weeks on the job post-graduation.—
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim,
The Dial,
4 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idealism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idealism. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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