as in optimism
the attitude of a person who believes that it is possible to live according to very high standards of behavior and honesty
youthful idealism romantic idealism
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Recent Examples of idealism
The absence of corruption, scandal, self-dealing and cronyism makes this a revitalizing break from real-world concerns, without in any way veering into sappy idealism.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
The ambition and idealism of the New Frontier even compelled Kennedy to evolve in some of his more troubling views.
—Leah M. Wright, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025
Lirio Marcelo’s track record proves this isn’t idealism.
—Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Still, for a time, their romance seemed to capture the spirit of the early ’90s — equal parts glamour and idealism mixed in with Hollywood magic.
—Sarah Jones, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idealism
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
The ambition and idealism of the New Frontier even compelled Kennedy to evolve in some of his more troubling views.
—Leah M. Wright, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025
Lirio Marcelo’s track record proves this isn’t idealism.
—Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Still, for a time, their romance seemed to capture the spirit of the early ’90s — equal parts glamour and idealism mixed in with Hollywood magic.
—Sarah Jones, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for idealism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealism
Noun
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But that optimism turned to terror within minutes.—
Julia Bonavita , Stepheny Price , Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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What struck me most was not only the discipline of the workforce but also the optimism that comes from having stable employment once again.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Human error, carelessness and everyday habits are now the leading causes of cyber incidents, identified by CISOs worldwide.—
Max Silber,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Recently, fans and the media have been focusing more on him due to his recurring mistakes, apparently caused by carelessness with and without the ball, as well as his spotty health record.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Meursault acquiesces but with a casually brutal frankness as to his motives, which have nothing to do with love.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
2 Sep. 2025
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Hilarious yet heartfelt, Mom offers a refreshing frankness not often seen in today's sitcoms.—
Tanya Melendez,
EW.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Or write a support email with the perfect mix of humor and sincerity to turn a fuming customer into a loyal advocate?—
Rupesh Dabbir,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Driving the show is Masli’s sincerity, childlike wonder, and background in clown.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In today’s digital world, jobs that require teens to disconnect from screens and interact face-to-face mean more time engaged in the real world around less time extricated in virtual naivete.—
Rachel Greszler,
Boston Herald,
31 Aug. 2025
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Meanwhile, there’s an endearing naiveté to Hechinger’s performance.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Gilbert’s colloquial style, once a source of great pleasure, has tipped into new territory—an ingenuousness that blends guru and disciple, mother and child.—
Jia Tolentino,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Mikel Arteta highlighted defensive naivety in their defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal, but Arsenal showed signs of evolution when beating Milan, Newcastle United and Athletic Club.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
13 Aug. 2025
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White, who died in 2021 just shy of her 100th birthday, played a widow and mother of five, Rose, who was known for her naivety.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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On a humid evening in May, Patricia Lockwood, who writes with the impish verve and provocative guilelessness of a peeing cupid, was scanning the menu at a Mexican restaurant near her home, in Savannah, Georgia.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Idealism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idealism. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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