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 mythic
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ideal
Malik Peay, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Read more below Best for accuracy under $40 Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium
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Best for accuracy under $40
This budget projector and STEM toy projects accurate images of the cosmos, ideal for for budding astronomers who want a glimpse of the night sky at home.
—Chris McMullen, Space.com, 24 May 2025
Jeri Clausing, AFAR Media, 19 May 2025
What is the cost of committing yourself to that particular ideal in a way that puts your life in the balance, potentially?
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Adjective
The hotel's dog-friendly atmosphere infuses the space with warmth, while the nearby Brooklyn Bowl provides an ideal launchpad for nighttime adventures.
—Malik Peay, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Read more below Best for accuracy under $40 Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium
View at Amazon
Best for accuracy under $40
This budget projector and STEM toy projects accurate images of the cosmos, ideal for for budding astronomers who want a glimpse of the night sky at home.
—Chris McMullen, Space.com, 24 May 2025
Noun
Nagel Photography/Shutterstock While docked in Detroit, guests can purchase an optional premium excursion to The Smith House, which is operated by Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research and is an example of Wright’s Usonian ideal aimed at building quality homes for the American middle class.
—Jeri Clausing, AFAR Media, 19 May 2025
What is the cost of committing yourself to that particular ideal in a way that puts your life in the balance, potentially?
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
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For stock market investors, the equity risk premium is the theoretical excess return of stocks over risk-free assets to account for market risk.—
,
CNBC,
19 May 2025
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But this wasn’t a concept Kang pursued purely for its theoretical strength.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Specifically, the best manu jumpers form a perfect 45-degree V with their bodies in the air.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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The Shark vacuum has received hundreds of perfect ratings from reviewers who praise it for its lightweight, easy-to-use design and strong suction.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
22 May 2025
Noun
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House and Senate lawmakers keep circulating big ideas that would go well beyond a narrow fix — and cost taxpayers many billions in doing so.—
David Greising,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
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While many celebrity documentaries are innocuous self-celebrations produced by the subjects or by their estates, in a more open arrangement, the person behind the camera may have leave to form and express their own ideas about the person in front of it.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Clearly inspired by the Italian neorealist classic Bicycle Thieves, Lucky Lu follows a Chinese migrant (played by the excellent Chang Chen, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) whose delivery bike does indeed get stolen towards the start of the film.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
27 May 2025
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The Fresh Prince of Bel Air alum shared throwback photos on Instagram May 23 from her time making the 1999 cult classic.—
Benjamin VanHoose,
People.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or cryptocurrency advice.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Inside were human skeletal remains which officials believe were deposited for ritual purposes before the site was abandoned, according to the release.—
Lauren Liebhaber,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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What makes the book so extraordinary is that is functions as a de facto catalogue for a mythical Rolex museum, chock full of images of timepieces from every Rolex era, dating to 1908, three years after the brand was founded.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
26 May 2025
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The mythical creature is said to be the origin of the first Vietnamese people.—
Jenna Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Impeccably dressed in a flawless double-breasted suit, he was well versed in commanding the room—and absorbing the admiring glances that often followed.—
/ CBS News,
CBS News,
25 May 2025
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In the Dodgers’ 3-1 rubber-match victory over the Diamondbacks, Hernández delivered the night’s biggest swing in the bottom of the sixth, taking a wrecking ball to what had been a flawless outing from Burnes with a three-run home run that turned the game upside down.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Toyota's midsize sedan is a best-selling model in its segment that competes with popular rivals like the Honda Accord.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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Together, their strengths offer a model for a pope who can shepherd with both mind and heart — faithful to doctrine and fearless in love.—
Case Thorp,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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