IDEAL Synonyms: 301 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'ideal' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ideal are example , exemplar , model , and pattern . While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception. // never found a job that matched his ideal

Q: When can 'example' be used instead of 'ideal'?

The synonyms example and ideal are sometimes interchangeable, but example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning. // children tend to follow the example of their parents

Q: When might 'exemplar' be a better fit than 'ideal'?

The words exemplar and ideal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification. // cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

Q: In what contexts can 'model' take the place of 'ideal'?

The words model and ideal can be used in similar contexts, but model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation. // a decor that is a model of good taste

Q: When could 'pattern' be used to replace 'ideal'?

Although the words pattern and ideal have much in common, pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype. // American industry set a pattern for others to follow

ideal 1 of 2

adjective

ī-ˈdē(-ə)l

Definition of ideal

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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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ideal

2 of 2

noun

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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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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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ideal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ideal are example, exemplar, model, and pattern. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

When can example be used instead of ideal?

The synonyms example and ideal are sometimes interchangeable, but example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

When might exemplar be a better fit than ideal?

The words exemplar and ideal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

In what contexts can model take the place of ideal?

The words model and ideal can be used in similar contexts, but model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

When could pattern be used to replace ideal?

Although the words pattern and ideal have much in common, pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of ideal

Adjective

San Telmo’s historic atmosphere and renowned vintage shopping scene will keep your itinerary packed, while Montserrat’s proximity to landmarks (like the cathedral and cabildo) is ideal. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026 This lamp has an ultra-slim frame, ideal for a narrow bedroom or tight reading nook. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2026

Noun

Identifying psychopathic characteristics before someone engages in violence is the ideal. — David Dematteo, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026 And in making their decisions to leave, both Kate and Hal are weighing the trade-off between access and ideals. — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ideal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal

Adjective

Drawing on the theoretical work of economist Hyman Minsky, Kindleberger went through centuries of economic history and saw a recurring pattern.

— Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 20 Oct. 2026
There are scores of results across not just number theory but also geometry and theoretical computer science that the proofs of quasi-Riemann will, in a swift stroke, establish as mathematical truths.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of theoretical

Adjective

The book used an imaginary dialogue between two women to explain the principles of economics, collecting the ideas of the new science together in a way that had never before been attempted.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Bill Irwin isn’t going anywhere — knock on all available wood — except quickly to the imaginary bathroom just off stage right several times a night as his character’s regimen of enemas kicks in.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of imaginary

Noun

Our research and engineering remain world-class, but our record of getting ideas to market and improving how products are made has been less stellar.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
It has also been designed as a neighborhood gathering space, with Apartment at 365, the physical space representing the Happier pillar of discovery, idea exchange, community, creativity and collaboration.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of idea

Noun

If ordering à la carte, opt for Hanoian classics like phở bò and bún thang.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Watch On In this Canadian cult classic that doubles as a coming-of-age story, a sardonic goth transforms into a werewolf in the days leading up to Halloween and terrifies her younger sister.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of classic

Noun

Its purpose is to help eliminate malignant cells that may remain after surgery, reducing the chance of another tumor taking hold.

— Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
The decor nods to her career without losing sight of the hotel’s purpose as a place to unwind after a day exploring Music City.

— Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of purpose

Adjective

The latter perhaps most acutely reflected such dominant motifs in Gibson’s midcareer work as female figures, birds, and metaphysical reflectors.

— The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
The best moments on records like Redemption, Blackheart, and Second Line use her knack for grand, metaphysical metaphors to charge her singing with epic stakes.

— Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of metaphysical

Adjective

The novel was also partly epistolary, including segments of fictional court transcripts and news coverage created by King (who enjoyed mimicking different writing styles).

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
The film—based on the 2014 play Switzerland by Joanna Murray-Smith—sets a fictional scene in the final chapter of Highsmith’s life.

— Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of fictional

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Style

“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ideal

adjective

noun

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Synonyms of ideal

adjective

noun

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Phrases Containing ideal

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On 'Idyll' and 'Ideal'

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Games & Quizzes