1
as in theoretical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea
honesty is an ideal entity that has more admirers than practitioners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imaginary
not real and existing only in the imagination
depicts an ideal society in which conflict and privation are unknown
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in perfect
being entirely without fault or flaw
for years she's been searching for a man who would make an ideal husband, and she's still looking
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in idea
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation
she's our ideal of the concerned, caring physician
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2
as in classic
the most perfect type or example
the Taj Mahal in India is generally regarded as the ideal of Mogul architectural beauty
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3
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
his ideal is to make enough money so that he can retire at 50
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ideal
Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
For those simply seeking to drink in the unparalleled views of Lake Moomaw’s stunning blue water, a drive along State Route 603, also known as Richardson Gorge Road, is an ideal viewing platform.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 15 May 2026
From a 17th-century manor on Naxos ideal for a group trip to a stylish one-bedroom located on equally stylish Spetses, keep reading for our working edit of the best Airbnbs in the Greek islands.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Adjective
Wide-angle lenses and low apertures are also ideal for shooting photos of the aurora.
—Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
For those simply seeking to drink in the unparalleled views of Lake Moomaw’s stunning blue water, a drive along State Route 603, also known as Richardson Gorge Road, is an ideal viewing platform.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
Noun
But what exactly makes soil ideal for growing veggies?
—Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 15 May 2026
From a 17th-century manor on Naxos ideal for a group trip to a stylish one-bedroom located on equally stylish Spetses, keep reading for our working edit of the best Airbnbs in the Greek islands.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
-
Early explorations of the theme included self-portraits EXPORT made in male drag, as well as forays in poetry and theoretical feminist texts.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
15 May 2026
-
But the new one is no longer theoretical.—
Ingmar Rentzhog,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Gaiman works like The Sandman and American Gods have served as inviting gateways to imaginary worlds for multiple generations of readers and viewers.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
-
By that time Dame Frances had established the idea of theaters of memory—imaginary architectural structures, replete with columns and alcoves and windows, where items can be placed for later recollection.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Lewis recruit Jake Matise worked a perfect final 1 1/3 innings to earn the save for Mount Carmel (22-10, 10-4).—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
His big hit improved the club to 21-6 overall and a perfect 11-0 in league play.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The solar system is estimated to be around 2 light-years wide, giving you an idea of just how far astronomers consider our cosmic backyard to extend.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
15 May 2026
-
Not having to consider finances or James’ specific (and largely unknown) priorities, members of The Athletic’s NBA staff have some ideas.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Into that landscape comes Fred Cavayé’s Les Misérables, a new action-skewed adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic about crime, justice and redemption, starring Vincent Lindon as Jean Valjean and Tahar Rahim as the relentless Inspector Javert.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
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Atlanta's vibrant food scene offers diners so much more than comfort food classics (although top-notch versions of chicken, biscuits, and all the fixings can be found here, certainly), and leaving the city without tucking into an unforgettable meal should be criminal.—
Mike Jordan,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Each object was made by someone, with a precise intention—to embody a necessary purpose, once held in relation to a community.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
-
Iran, which says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, was said to have included some nuclear concessions in its latest proposal to end the war.—
Michelle L. Price,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
Mercifully, those connections are not forged across time and space; all three stories remain discrete, never approaching a moment of grandiose metaphysical convergence.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
Conversations might turn to metaphysical issues or charitable activities.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
The series, which is set in the fictional county of Rutshire, England, follows an intense rivalry.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
15 May 2026
-
The fictional character was highly logical, possessed great inner strength, exhibited loyalty, kept his emotions in check, and otherwise showcased admirable qualities.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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