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

We’re introduced, in a kingdom under the seas ruled by merpeople, to an idealistic and sweet-hearted redheaded mermaid princess fascinated by the human world; in this version, Lara. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026

Sly and the Family Stone’s more commercial ’60s work can be seen as far more utopian and idealistic than their darker ’70s albums. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 7 July 2026

Still, their ambitions are quite idealistic, even verging on evangelical. — Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026

Chan stars as idealistic rookie officer Shih-Ting, while veteran actor Cheng portrays Hou, a pragmatic policeman approaching retirement. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 23 June 2026