IDEALISTIC Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

idealistic

adjective

(ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈli-stik

Definition of idealistic

as in romantic

having or marked by a tendency to be guided more by ideals than by reality idealistic pacifists who thought that tyranny could be toppled by rational argument and mutual understanding

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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 idealistic Or that a group of idealistic actors searching for a home for an outdoor theater would find the perfect natural amphitheater here—and build it into a Tony Award-winning company that draws audiences from across the country? — Charles Usher, Midwest Living, 10 June 2026 The first stretch of the film centers on co-founder Ilya Sutskever (Yura Borisov), the idealistic scientific mind behind the company, before the boardroom power struggle takes over. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 21 June 2026 Whitehead recounts the horrific abuse, torture and even murder through the bright-eyed, idealistic teen Elwood Curtis, who was wrongly sentenced to the Nickel Academy. — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 Chan stars as idealistic rookie officer Shih-Ting, while veteran actor Cheng portrays Hou, a pragmatic policeman approaching retirement. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for idealistic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealistic

Adjective

The author, 42, wore a summery floral midi dress with delicate sleeves and a romantic sweetheart neckline.

— Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
The braids appear to be tied off with thin, white rope and have a romantic, lived-in, casual quality—though not too casual to seem irrefutably stylish at a Paris couture show.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 6 July 2026

Definition of romantic

Adjective

Because large steel structures warp and expand under intense heat and magnetic forces, maintaining a tight seal between unjoined rings has previously been impractical.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
That restriction makes Europe impractical for the traditional four- to six-month snowbird lifestyle many retirees prefer.

— Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of impractical

Adjective

Sagittarius is an idealist sign that can totally relate to this tale of enduring relationships.

— Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
The contact with and dependence on such support arguably also bolstered art’s worldliness and acted as an antidote to the petit bourgeois affinity for idealist mystification.

— Diedrich Diederichsen, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2025

Definition of idealist

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idealist

idealistic

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“Idealistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idealistic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of idealistic

adjective

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