pipe dream

noun

Synonyms of pipe dreamnext
: an illusory or fantastic plan, hope, or story

Synonyms of pipe dream

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Examples of pipe dream in a Sentence

His plan for starting his own business was just a pipe dream. opening our own restaurant has long been a pipe dream
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.
But that seems to be a bit of a pipe dream. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026 To Victoria Toomey, the prospect of one day owning a house felt like a pipe dream. — Matan Josephy, Idaho Statesman, 13 June 2026 But instant 100% tariffs look like a pipe dream given the constraints of the trade law. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 October is no longer a pipe dream for the Sox, so plan the rest of your summer accordingly. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pipe dream

Word History

Etymology

from the fantasies brought about by the smoking of opium

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pipe dream was in 1890

Rhymes for pipe dream

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Browse Nearby Words

pipe down
pipe dream
piped rot
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Cite this Entry

“Pipe dream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pipe%20dream. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pipe dream

noun
: an unreal and fantastic idea, wish, or story
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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