idealistic

adjective

ide·​al·​is·​tic (ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈli-stik How to pronounce idealistic (audio)
ˌī-dē-
Synonyms of idealisticnext
1
: of or relating to idealists or idealism
2
a
: believing in ideals
idealistic activists
b
: not realistic or practical
a naïve and idealistic dreamer
idealistically adverb

Examples of idealistic in a Sentence

idealistic pacifists who thought that tyranny could be toppled by rational argument and mutual understanding
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Across the city, there was an exuberance in the air, infused with an idealistic belief that the emerging Internet would empower people in untold new ways and make the world a better place. Jonathan Weber, Fortune, 19 May 2026 Naz’s one seemingly normal relationship is with his friend Aziza, a former neighbor and idealistic social worker from Brooklyn who arrives unexpectedly at the family dinner and is witness to the Jasper family’s severe dysfunction. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026 That 2% isn't just an idealistic goal, however. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 14 May 2026 Stark, having been elected governor and already well along in his fateful descent from an idealistic man of the people to an entirely corrupt megalomaniac, is on the way to visit his childhood home. Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for idealistic

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of idealistic was in 1824

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Cite this Entry

“Idealistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idealistic. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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