ideal
Americannoun
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a conception of something in its perfection.
- Synonyms:
- epitome
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a standard of perfection or excellence.
- Synonyms:
- epitome
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a person or thing conceived as embodying such a conception or conforming to such a standard, and taken as a model for imitation.
Thomas Jefferson was his ideal.
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an ultimate object or aim of endeavor, especially one of high or noble character.
He refuses to compromise any of his ideals.
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something that exists only in the imagination.
To achieve the ideal is almost hopeless.
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Mathematics. a subring of a ring, any element of which when multiplied by any element of the ring results in an element of the subring.
adjective
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conceived as constituting a standard of perfection or excellence.
ideal beauty.
- Synonyms:
- complete, consummate, perfect
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regarded as perfect of its kind.
an ideal spot for a home.
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existing only in the imagination; not real or actual.
Nature is real; beauty is ideal.
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advantageous; excellent; best.
It would be ideal if she could accompany us as she knows the way.
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based upon an ideal or ideals.
the ideal theory of numbers.
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Philosophy.
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pertaining to a possible state of affairs considered as highly desirable.
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pertaining to or of the nature of idealism.
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noun
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a conception of something that is perfect, esp that which one seeks to attain
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a person or thing considered to represent perfection
he's her ideal
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something existing only as an idea
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a pattern or model, esp of ethical behaviour
adjective
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conforming to an ideal
-
of, involving, or existing in the form of an idea
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philosophy
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of or relating to a highly desirable and possible state of affairs
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of or relating to idealism
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Synonym Usage
Ideal, example, model refer to something considered as a standard to strive toward or something considered worthy of imitation. An ideal is a concept or standard of perfection, existing merely as an image in the mind, or based upon a person or upon conduct: We admire the high ideals of a religious person. Sir Philip Sidney was considered the ideal in gentlemanly conduct. An example is a person or the conduct or achievements of a person regarded as worthy of being followed or imitated in a general way; or sometimes, as properly to be avoided: an example of courage; a bad example to one's children. A model is primarily a physical shape to be closely copied, but is also a pattern for exact imitation in conduct or character: They took their leader as a model.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of ideal
From the Late Latin word ideālis, dating back to 1605–15. See idea, -al 1
Explanation
An ideal is a model of something perfect or without equal. As an adjective, ideal describes this ultimate standard for excellence, or something that exists only as an idea. When we talk about what's ideal, we often refer to a best-case scenario (it would be ideal if you were well-rested before your exam); what we're striving for (it would be ideal for all children to receive an education); or some idea of perfection (the ideal date would be dinner with your favorite movie star). If you have high ideals, you have very strong beliefs about what is good and right, and maybe even how best to save the world.
Vocabulary lists containing ideal
Frindle
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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
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"The Witches" by Roald Dahl, Chapters 1–5
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For months, they scoured North America in search of the ideal base camp for the biggest, most sprawling World Cup in the 96-year history of the tournament.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
For me, this is ideal weeknight cooking: A tostada piled high with ceviche tastes like vacation even when you’re eating it on a Tuesday.
From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026
It isn’t ideal by any stretch, but SpaceX is Musk’s company, and an investment in SpaceX is an investment in Musk.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
It’s hard to imagine any topic more ideal for creating this kind conflict than UFOs.
From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026
I understand that when it comes to campus diversity, the ideal would be to achieve something resembling what’s often shown on college brochures—smiling students working and socializing in neat, ethnically blended groups.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
