idealism
noun
ide·al·ism
ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm 
ˈī-(ˌ)dē-
1
2
a(1)
: a theory that ultimate reality lies in a realm transcending phenomena
(2)
: a theory that the essential nature of reality lies in consciousness or reason
b(1)
: a theory that only the perceptible is real
(2)
: a theory that only mental states or entities are knowable
3
: literary or artistic theory or practice that affirms the preeminent value of imagination as compared with faithful copying of nature compare realism
Examples of idealism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This could result in a sense of idealism and the desire to indulge in luxurious gestures of affection that make your heart skip a beat.
—
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
His résumé bears the hallmarks of can-do Millennial idealism: an internship on Barack Obama’s 2007 primary campaign; five months in Zambia working for the Clinton Health Access Initiative.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
But there is less bite, less idealism and seemingly less care taken.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024
Yet the long sections summarizing various events or expounding on capitalism, naive idealism, and violence turn out to be as engaging as any page-turner for the reader with the persistence to soldier on.
—Ilana Masad, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for idealism 
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Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
His résumé bears the hallmarks of can-do Millennial idealism: an internship on Barack Obama’s 2007 primary campaign; five months in Zambia working for the Clinton Health Access Initiative.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
But there is less bite, less idealism and seemingly less care taken.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024
Yet the long sections summarizing various events or expounding on capitalism, naive idealism, and violence turn out to be as engaging as any page-turner for the reader with the persistence to soldier on.
—Ilana Masad, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for idealism
Dictionary Entries Near idealism
Cite this Entry
“Idealism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idealism. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
idealism
noun
ide·al·ism
ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm
ˈī-(ˌ)dē-
: the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence
idealist
noun
-(ə-)ləst
idealistic
adjective
(ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈlis-tik
ˌī-dē-
idealistically
adverb
-ti-k(ə-)lē
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