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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pipe dream
Realistically, that’s a pipe dream.
—
Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 8 Jan. 2026
What was once thought of as a pipe dream for hockey fans in South Florida is about to finally become reality.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Jan. 2026
Aikman, who won three Super Bowls with the franchise under Jones, would seemingly be an ideal candidate for Jones to eschew some or all of his GM duties off on, but there’s little evidence that’s ever been more than a pipe dream for Cowboys fans.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 1 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for pipe dream
Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 8 Jan. 2026
What was once thought of as a pipe dream for hockey fans in South Florida is about to finally become reality.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Jan. 2026
Aikman, who won three Super Bowls with the franchise under Jones, would seemingly be an ideal candidate for Jones to eschew some or all of his GM duties off on, but there’s little evidence that’s ever been more than a pipe dream for Cowboys fans.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 1 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for pipe dream
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pipe dream
Noun
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The flavors are just as dazzling as the visuals, with everything from classic fish balls and siu mai to snake soup and mock shark's fin, served up by food stalls that make Temple Street a foodie's dream.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
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But that dream died along with her husband.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The brightening and blurring properties come from bismuth oxychloride, a mineral that adds a light-reflecting luminous finish, and silicones that create the illusion of blurred skin.—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
25 Feb. 2026
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Class analysis remains difficult in the US because its absence allows for the illusion of exceptional individuals to prevail.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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What began as a food‑truck daydream shared by two longtime friends has become one of Iowa’s most beloved culinary success stories, one rooted in nostalgia and family.—
Susan Stapleton,
Des Moines Register,
18 Feb. 2026
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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
Noun
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For the first time ever, the show's fourth installment beckons viewers downstairs, past the formal drawing rooms and lavish ballrooms, and into the kitchens, back hallways, and living quarters of the working class who keep the fantasy running upstairs.—
Madeline Hirsch,
InStyle,
26 Feb. 2026
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The scene even follows him into a fantasy dance sequence with the rest of the film’s ensemble (including his shirtless buds, played by Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen) set on a green hilltop adorned with colorful banners and awash with, yes, sunshine.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Increase Contrast Between Objects DME affects your central vision.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
25 Feb. 2026
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The goal for the two governing boards this week was to outline objectives for the library system’s long-term vision, which should come to a boil when the groups meet to discuss paying for the plan this summer.—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pipe dream.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pipe%20dream. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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