1
as in model
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation
she is the beau ideal of the dedicated medical professional
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2
as in ideal
the most perfect type or example
Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous architectural creation, Falling Water, is widely regarded as the beau ideal of a building in harmony with its setting
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Recent Examples of beau ideal
The beau ideal of illiberal democracy is, of course, Viktor Orbán of Hungary, who outlined the term in a 2014 speech.
—
Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 31 Jan. 2024
Fieg is its beau ideal.
—Kareem Rashed, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2022
At Délice & Sarrasin, a charming French bistro in the West Village, vegans can bide their time in style, enticing new recruits with the beau ideal of meatless haute cuisine.
—David Kortava, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2021
If Teddy Roosevelt was the Harvard beau ideal at the turn of the last century, Mark Zuckerberg is the Harvard man to be in the new millennium.
—William Stadiem, Town & Country, 2 Aug. 2016
If Hicks is the beau ideal in today’s MLB, then Miles Mikolas is a throwback to the Roosevelt administration.
—Michael Beller, SI.com, 23 May 2018
Conservatives like to imagine Reagan as the beau ideal of a president who faithfully adhered to their principles, but Trump is the president who has actually done it.
—Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, 23 Feb. 2018
Male dictators are Trump’s beau ideal of an admirable world leader.
—Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, 24 Jan. 2018
There was a time when the beau ideal was to drive your sports car to the track, paint numbers on it, go racing and then drive home.
—Dan Neil, WSJ, 6 July 2017
Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 31 Jan. 2024
Fieg is its beau ideal.
—Kareem Rashed, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2022
At Délice & Sarrasin, a charming French bistro in the West Village, vegans can bide their time in style, enticing new recruits with the beau ideal of meatless haute cuisine.
—David Kortava, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2021
If Teddy Roosevelt was the Harvard beau ideal at the turn of the last century, Mark Zuckerberg is the Harvard man to be in the new millennium.
—William Stadiem, Town & Country, 2 Aug. 2016
If Hicks is the beau ideal in today’s MLB, then Miles Mikolas is a throwback to the Roosevelt administration.
—Michael Beller, SI.com, 23 May 2018
Conservatives like to imagine Reagan as the beau ideal of a president who faithfully adhered to their principles, but Trump is the president who has actually done it.
—Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, 23 Feb. 2018
Male dictators are Trump’s beau ideal of an admirable world leader.
—Jonathan Chait, Daily Intelligencer, 24 Jan. 2018
There was a time when the beau ideal was to drive your sports car to the track, paint numbers on it, go racing and then drive home.
—Dan Neil, WSJ, 6 July 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beau ideal
Noun
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Rae’s grandiose style was designed by hair artist Lucas Wilson, whose client list includes models Gabbriette and Emily Ratajkowski.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
9 July 2025
-
Three pricing models for Amazon Prime memberships include: Amazon Prime membership Chris Sims is a digital producer at IndyStar.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
9 July 2025
Noun
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This New Balance sneaker earns top marks because its cushioned base and rubber sole are designed to cradle each step — ideal for seniors or those with foot pain.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
People.com,
12 July 2025
-
Of course, several ideals may come into play at once.—
Dax Dasilva,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
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The most transformative ideas often come from the edges—from employees closest to the customer, to the problem, to the reality.—
Alex Goryachev,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Unemployment had altered her idea of what qualified as a life.—
Nora Lange,
New Yorker,
10 July 2025
Noun
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The film didn’t perform well, but the soundtrack has become a cult classic, and now, The Pick of Destiny has become a commercial success.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
During a stay, guests are privy to elaborate breakfast spreads that present Mexican classics like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles in the highest quality manner with ingredients sourced from traditional markets around the city.—
Michaela Trimble,
Vogue,
13 July 2025
Noun
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In one fist, the domestic helper holds a small figurine of Our Lady of Good Voyage in Antipolo, the patron saint of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).—
Hung Duong,
Artforum,
18 June 2025
-
Mexican Catholics believe in the Virgin de Guadalupe, who is the patron saint of Mexico and celebrated as our Mother.—
William A. Virchis,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Speaking of perfection, yes, there is such a thing as being too organized.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 July 2025
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There was a clip about 'perfection' that was narrated by Russell Crowe.—
Geoffrey Knox,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Noun
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For example, a set of blue chairs at the far end of a rectangular garden will make the space feel larger than a set of red chairs in the same place.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 July 2025
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For example, her grandmother is justifying a need to obtain a Russian passport to gain access to the health care and social services, said Maria.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 July 2025
Noun
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These methods address not just the emotional but the physical manifestations of moral injury and foster long-term resilience.—
Yujia Zhu,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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Wimbledon is the tennis manifestation of this attitude, the sensible friend who likes to call it a night early.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Beau ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beau%20ideal. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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