IDEALIST Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

idealist 1 of 2

adjective

as in romantic

having or marked by a tendency to be guided more by ideals than by reality an idealist attempt to make a go of a mom-and-pop hardware store on Main Street

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idealist

2 of 2

noun

ī-ˈdē-(ə-)list

as in dreamer

one whose conduct is guided more by the image of perfection than by the real world an idealist sees the best in everyone, regardless of how they behave

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of idealist

Adjective

Labour leader Starmer, though, has taken a realist rather than an idealist approach to the president, putting Britain's foreign policy interests above the strong opposition to Trump in the rank and file of his own party. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 In the new release, Temple plays idealist scientist Dr. Teddy Paine opposite Chiwetel Ejiofor’s General Rex Strickland — the overseer of a secret research facility dedicated to symbiotes. —

Raven Brunner, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024

Noun

Gorton skillfully depicts the grueling decades-long struggle of Sanger (the icon, in this telling) and Dennett (the idealist) to make birth control available and legal, as well as their interpersonal competition for power and influence. —

Literary Hub, 20 Mar. 2026 While Sophie has a pragmatic approach to life, she’s complemented by Benedict, a dreamy idealist. —

Kat Moon, Time, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for idealist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealist

Adjective

Robert had spent the last few years accruing credit card points—more on that below—in the hopes of planning a blowout honeymoon experience for the wanderlusting couple, who had previously traveled together to romantic destinations like Japan and the south of France.

— Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
Good ex-etiquette means considering how your decisions impact your co-parenting structure, not just your romantic relationship.

— Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026