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

That may earn her the admiration of her college comrades, but at home, she’s seen as an idealistic naif — mocked, in particular, by her older brother Milan (Miodrag Dragicevic), who is staunchly right-wing in his sympathies. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026

Those companies don’t strike me as being run by idealistic true believers. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 26 Oct. 2026

This time, Michael sounds less idealistic and much more cynical. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Like Wilde, Basil possesses an idealistic devotion to beauty and love that proves his undoing. — Hannah Aizenman, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026