1
as in theoretical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea
honesty is an ideal entity that has more admirers than practitioners
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2
as in imaginary
not real and existing only in the imagination
depicts an ideal society in which conflict and privation are unknown
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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
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1
as in idea
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation
she's our ideal of the concerned, caring physician
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ideal
Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026
Unbeknownst to the family, Ballin later submitted her photo to a national competition overseen by Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister, to depict the ideal Aryan baby.
—Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026
Syda Segovia Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
The reversible design has quiltwork of spruce trees on one side and a neutral, beige side ideal for displaying in spring through fall.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Adjective
Here are Caviness's ideal temperature settings.
—Noun
This grassroots heart work is how love becomes tangible and shifts from abstract ideals to lived reality and policy.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
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In solving an 80-year-old chemical mystery, the researchers have not only answered a long-standing theoretical question but also expanded the toolbox of modern chemistry.—
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Beat writer Lauren Williams walks us through a few theoretical trades here.—
Adjective
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Under the noonday sun while fishing, or stealing light from the full moon, the point of his pencil traced the imaginary movements of the washers, threads, coil springs, cylinders, bolts, and screws that had long enriched the workings of his mind.—
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Torgashev dropped an imaginary microphone for his ending pose, then doubled over before dropping to a knee as the crowd rose to its feet.—
Adjective
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Bathrooms, water fountains and green grass perfect for picnics or playing sports — those are the exact features that are completely missing from some San Joaquin County parks.—
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This spot is perfect for relaxing and reflecting on the serenity all around.—
Noun
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The owner of the space approached them and offered a good deal, Santos says, and the Eighth Street location fit with their idea of a Miami-forward restaurant.—
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Have a story idea or tip in Harlem?—
Noun
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From classics like Aquaphor and CeraVe to select items from Drunk Elephant, Bubble, and Glow Recipe, these nine tween-safe products start at $5.—
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Comfort classics like the Hoka Women’s Bondi 9s and New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V4s will keep your feet cushioned, supported, and pain-free on long travel days.—
Noun
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The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.—
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The core purpose of Taste Addison – promoting Addison's 200+ restaurants – will be reenvisioned to include new, year-round options to support and elevate North Texas' most vibrant dining hub.—
Adjective
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The real story is Latour’s encounter with the territory—transfigured, by Cather’s prose, into a metaphysical battleground and a sphinxlike witness.—
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Sirāt‘s central themes are deeply rooted in both metaphysical allegory and contemporary societal critique.—
Adjective
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As the voice of Rumi, Ejae performed the lead vocals of all the songs for HUNTR/X, the movie's fictional k-pop girl group that moonlights as demon hunters who protect the world from soul-sucking monsters.—
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In the fictional story of the Shakespeare family, their family tragedy leads Shakespeare to write Hamlet.—
Cite this Entry
“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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