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Synonyms

idyllic

American  
[ahy-dil-ik] / aɪˈdɪl ɪk /

adjective

  1. (of a setting or event) suitable for or suggestive of pastoral literature or art, which portrays an idealized scene of peace, charm, and rustic simplicity.

    You won't find a more idyllic spot for a wedding.

    Synonyms:
    arcadian, pastoral, sylvan
  2. relating to or characteristic of an idyll, a mode of literature or art which portrays an idealized rustic life of peace, charm, and simplicity.

    The painting’s every detail fulfills the idyllic trope of a bounteous natural world freely offering itself.


idyllic British  
/ aɪ-, ɪˈdɪlɪk /

adjective

  1. of or relating to an idyll

  2. charming; picturesque

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of idyllic

First recorded in 1855–60; idyll + -ic

Explanation

A week at the beach that goes perfectly is an idyllic vacation. Idyllic means so wonderful it seems almost magical. Are you having an idyllic childhood? You may not think so now, but in your old age, you may remember your days as a youngster as simple and carefree. The clear, blue water of the Caribbean Sea, the beautiful village perched on a cliffside, the sunny grassy field of wildflowers, these are all idylls — simple peaceful scenes — that you may or may not find idyllic.

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Vocabulary lists containing idyllic

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.

See Examples For:

Visiting the country’s idyllic islands is bucket-list material.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 13, 2026

But the property was far from the idyllic mountain retreat it is today.

From MarketWatch Aug. 12, 2026

My youth was alarmingly idyllic with the hopped fences, bicycle slaloms through traffic and occasional near-misdemeanor mischief.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 6, 2026

They were among the estimated 93,000 Koreans who moved to North Korea between 1959 and 1984, lured by a resettlement scheme that promised an idyllic life of free healthcare, education and jobs.

From BBC Jun. 27, 2026

But today when I see pictures of the region, known as Minembwe, it looks like the most idyllic place on earth, with lush, leafy mountaintops scraping the clouds and miles and miles of green.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana

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