idealistic

adjective

ide·​al·​is·​tic (ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈli-stik How to pronounce idealistic (audio)
ˌī-dē-
Synonyms of idealistic
1
: of or relating to idealists or idealism
2
a
: believing in ideals
idealistic activists
b
: not realistic or practical
a naïve and idealistic dreamer
idealistically
(ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce idealistic (audio)
ˌī-dē-
adverb

Synonyms of idealistic

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Examples of idealistic in a Sentence

idealistic pacifists who thought that tyranny could be toppled by rational argument and mutual understanding
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Opposite him is Nouri, the idealistic doctor, whose refusal to enforce a Sharia court order puts his life in jeopardy. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026 This time, Michael sounds less idealistic and much more cynical. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 Like Wilde, Basil possesses an idealistic devotion to beauty and love that proves his undoing. — Hannah Aizenman, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 At a time when so many of us were trying our damnedest to avoid the draft, Oliver was an idealistic dreamer whose desire for adventure led him to enlist in the army. — Michael Douglas, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for idealistic

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of idealistic was in 1824

Rhymes for idealistic

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Idealistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idealistic. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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