pipe dream

noun

Definition of pipe dreamnext
as in dream
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality opening our own restaurant has long been a pipe dream

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of pipe dream The Information posited, while noting that since 2020, Meta’s Reality Lab division has lost $87 billion chasing metaverse pipe dreams. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026 But instant 100% tariffs look like a pipe dream given the constraints of the trade law. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 Once a pipe dream, the idea of a federal film subsidy now seems like a real possibility. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 June 2026 October is no longer a pipe dream for the Sox, so plan the rest of your summer accordingly. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pipe dream
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pipe dream
  1. dream
  2. illusion
  3. daydream
  4. fantasy
  5. vision
Noun
  • Lestat’s standing at the precipice of the sweet hereafter, and this episode is his death dream.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • Skyroot will need a lot more funding to realize that dream, but Saturday’s launch showed the company has ingredients required for a successful launch company.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 19 July 2026
Definition of dream
Noun
  • This practice, driven by post-crisis regulations like Basel III, creates an illusion of safety for commercial banks, which show 5-8% more excess capital.
    — Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Warm off-white paint creates the illusion of a larger kitchen.
    — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 16 July 2026
Definition of illusion
Noun
  • And amidst the momentum of reverie, there’s the line ‘Blink at the light and hope to survive,’ because daydreams in a fascist state can be scary too.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 June 2026
  • One-touch passing, feinting and ripping hard shots into a tattered net, each is super-charged by vivid daydreams of glory on the international stage.
    — Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2026
Definition of daydream
Noun
  • In that span, Egbuka was WR3 (overall and in fantasy points per game) with 25 receptions for 445 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 38 targets.
    — Jake Ciely, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Dynasty fantasy football owners should eye three running backs poised for significant value increases in 2026.
    — Steve Bradshaw, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of fantasy
Noun
  • The city’s mayor at the time, Maurice Ferré, had a different vision.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Yet even in the Ashley years, Keegan’s vision of Newcastle endured.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of vision

Browse Nearby Words

pipe down
pipe dream
pipe dreams
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pipe dream.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pipe%20dream. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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