as in dreams
a conception or image created by the imagination and having no objective reality
opening our own restaurant has long been a pipe dream
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Recent Examples of pipe dreams
Music promoters, both craving the one-upmanship and genuine satisfaction of getting a lucrative band back on a stage, have more money at their disposal than ever before to make their pipe dreams a reality.
—
Devon Ivie, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
The stalker pipe dreams need to stop here.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
The idea that renewables alone can power the American economy is nonsense given the current technology, green pipe dreams notwithstanding.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Devon Ivie, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025
The stalker pipe dreams need to stop here.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
The idea that renewables alone can power the American economy is nonsense given the current technology, green pipe dreams notwithstanding.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pipe dreams
Noun
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Jake LaRavia was destined to play for the LA Lakers, the team of his father's youth, closing a family loop of boyhood dreams and untimely death, Gregg Doyel writes.—
Joe Mutascio,
IndyStar,
10 Feb. 2026
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After 50 years of helping skaters achieve their dreams, the man who was always behind the scenes got to live his.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Hopefuls were quizzed on their visions for the company and views on such topics as teamwork and corporate culture.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
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Disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance forces him to confront dark corners of his past.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Rybakina was under more scoreboard pressure in her service games, but Sabalenka’s opportunities were mostly illusions.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Saturn brings accountability, Neptune dissolves illusions and Aries demands action.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
My very specific fantasies about the Iran of the future are my way of keeping the political imagination alive and open.—
Arash Azizi,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
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There is no shortage of opportunities for children, particularly Black and brown ones, to be disabused of their fantasies.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Shortly after, the book began to take shape, with new elements often arriving in vivid daydreams and eerie nightmares.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
30 Jan. 2026
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And like the iconic Orient-Express (whose original route has been revived by Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express), the Champagne flutes, suited servers, and glossy design of this locomotive hold a seductive potential for daydreams and drama.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pipe dreams.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pipe%20dreams. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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