as in dreamers
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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Recent Examples of idealists
Independent bookselling, rarely a way to get rich, is a meeting ground for idealists — for young people with a sense of mission, retirees embarking on a new life or middle-aged people no longer satisfied with their careers.
—
ABC News, 27 May 2026
Both a business and a calling Independent bookselling, rarely a way to get rich, is a meeting ground for idealists — for young people with a sense of mission, retirees embarking on a new life or middle-aged people no longer satisfied with their careers.
—Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
In the early 20th century, a group of idealists set out to build a road that would connect towns and showcase the raw beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
At least there were idealists who dreamed such fancies, and their dreams were the pretext for creating this nation.
—Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025
Some idealists set out to build a new community from scratch.
—Big Think, 6 Nov. 2025
And the call isn’t just coming from idealists this time – the prestigious science journal Nature is also now arguing for a global rail revival – not as a nostalgic nod to the past, but as a pragmatic cornerstone of climate strategy.
—Chelsea Haney
october 25, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
Of the roiling mass of restless natives, cranky artists and tattered idealists who rose up across the Southland this summer to flip off darkness and call America back to its better angels?
—John Lopez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
But Loktev is quick to correct anyone who perceives My Undesirable Friends as a snapshot of idealists under duress.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025
ABC News, 27 May 2026
Both a business and a calling Independent bookselling, rarely a way to get rich, is a meeting ground for idealists — for young people with a sense of mission, retirees embarking on a new life or middle-aged people no longer satisfied with their careers.
—Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
In the early 20th century, a group of idealists set out to build a road that would connect towns and showcase the raw beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
At least there were idealists who dreamed such fancies, and their dreams were the pretext for creating this nation.
—Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025
Some idealists set out to build a new community from scratch.
—Big Think, 6 Nov. 2025
And the call isn’t just coming from idealists this time – the prestigious science journal Nature is also now arguing for a global rail revival – not as a nostalgic nod to the past, but as a pragmatic cornerstone of climate strategy.
—Chelsea Haney
october 25, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
Of the roiling mass of restless natives, cranky artists and tattered idealists who rose up across the Southland this summer to flip off darkness and call America back to its better angels?
—John Lopez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
But Loktev is quick to correct anyone who perceives My Undesirable Friends as a snapshot of idealists under duress.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealists
dreamers
Noun
-
This is a space for artists, dreamers, romantics, and those looking to step into a slice of old-world Paris.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
29 May 2026
-
While a Tudor home is full of character and embodies the whimsy dreamers are drawn to, Brutalist architecture's strength and purpose speak to those who value respect over charm.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Idealists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idealists. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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