Synonyms of idealistic

idealistic

adjective

(ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈli-stik 

as in romantic

having or marked by a tendency to be guided more by ideals than by reality

idealistic pacifists who thought that tyranny could be toppled by rational argument and mutual understanding

Synonyms & Similar Words

• romantic
• impractical
• idealist
• utopian
• quixotic
• optimistic
• ideological
• starry-eyed
• hopeful
• visionary
• starry
• quixotical
• unrealistic
• zealous
• sentimental
• messianic
• crusading
• moony
• rosy
• Pollyannaish
• tender-minded
• doctrinaire
• upbeat
• moonstruck
• dewy-eyed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unsentimental
• pragmatic
• hardheaded
• realistic
• practical
• clear-eyed
• clear-sighted
• tough-minded
• hard-nosed

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of idealistic

Whitehead recounts the horrific abuse, torture and even murder through the bright-eyed, idealistic teen Elwood Curtis, who was wrongly sentenced to the Nickel Academy. — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026

The familiar, idealistic version of his legacy is one that has been carefully curated. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026

Or that a group of idealistic actors searching for a home for an outdoor theater would find the perfect natural amphitheater here—and build it into a Tony Award-winning company that draws audiences from across the country? — Charles Usher, Midwest Living, 10 June 2026

And how did an idealistic protest for protecting Black lives turn into a circle of silence surrounding the killing of a Black teenager? — NPR, 4 June 2026