ivory-towered

adjective

ˈī-v(ə-)rē-ˈtau̇(-ə)rd How to pronounce ivory-towered (audio)
Definition of ivory-towerednext
as in academic
very learned or educated but inexperienced in practical matters an ivory-towered elite that always favors the candidate who is idealistic but unelectable

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for ivory-towered
academic
Adjective
  • Like Pompano High, Hallandale students will apply and meet certain academic criteria to get in and stay in.
    — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026
  • But journalism has gotten so much smaller, and academia is also very precarious — and the idea of an academic writing in any kind of consumer-facing press is now considered a dig in your tenure file.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of academic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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ivory-tower
ivory-towered
ivory-towerish
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Cite this Entry

“Ivory-towered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ivory-towered. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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