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ideal

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ideal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ideal are example, exemplar, model, and pattern. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

When can example be used instead of ideal?

The synonyms example and ideal are sometimes interchangeable, but example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

When might exemplar be a better fit than ideal?

The words exemplar and ideal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

In what contexts can model take the place of ideal?

The words model and ideal can be used in similar contexts, but model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

When could pattern be used to replace ideal?

Although the words pattern and ideal have much in common, pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ideal
Adjective
O'Hearn would be an ideal fit for the Mariners with his low strikeout rate of 15.4%, while their current options are striking out around 25% of the time. Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 Although the property prides itself on catering to families of all ages, two of the most beautiful suites are ideal for couples. Livia Hengel, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
For a time, this combination of wayward emotional expression and cultural openness, this embrace of other forms of beauty, seemed to embody a new, modern ideal. Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025 In film after film, his onscreen ideal of beauty embodies the spirit of opposition and revolt. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
  • My expertise in information technology over a 30-year journey often requires an immersion of innovative technologies, such as AI, to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.
    Deanna Laster, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
  • And the consequences of those delays were not theoretical.
    Dr. Shelley Sella, Time, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • When a consumer purchases a smart device compatible with a VPP, that is a perfect time to educate them about the benefits of enrollment.
    Amber Mullaney, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Tranter points to that sentiment as a perfect example of why Erivo has become such a powerful voice in the entertainment industry.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Per usual, the old and new world methods clash over topics like whether to physically restrain Emma to a bed, and Theophilus is convinced that anything that looks like rational evidence against his ideas is just Satan manipulating everyone’s brain.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 4 June 2025
  • Entertainment companies have been exploring how to use AI in their processes, which supporters say can help reduce costs and allow creatives to test bold ideas without as many financial constraints.
    Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Guests can float between two outdoor pools—one a heated classic, the other a saltwater pool carved right into the rocks—or enjoy Mediterranean dishes at the hotel’s two restaurants, Récif and the new Estelo (formerly known as La Plage) and new bar, La Chicoula (formerly known as La Cabane).
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 8 June 2025
  • Sculptural and high-shine, the boots anchored Hilton’s set in her classic, footwear-forward approach to stagewear — a consistent theme across her Pride Month.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • These rituals included a physical action, an emotional expression and a shared sense of purpose.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • This was still wild country, and Fuller set off with the express purpose of producing a book about her journey.
    James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • And as one dad recently shared on Reddit, the days of explaining things with talk of storks or other mythical tales are likely over.
    Christian Dashiell, Parents, 7 June 2025
  • Acceptance means acknowledging that zero-failure AI systems are mythical.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Road playoff wins also require flawless help defense and execution down the stretch, especially against an historically great team that entered the Finals 80-18.
    Shane Young, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Wearing loose clothing afterward will be your best bet for a flawless tan.
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Our leaders intervened to retrain the model, preserving our commitment to personalized service.
    Braden Yuill, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Strong cited the new opt-out system being considered by the UK government, which would mean copyright holders would need to opt-out from having their material used for training AI models.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ideal

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