ideal

American  

[ahy-dee-uhl, ahy-deel] / aɪˈdi əl, aɪˈdil /

noun

1. a conception of something in its perfection.

   Synonyms:

   epitome

2. a standard of perfection or excellence.

   Synonyms:

   epitome

3. 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.

4. an ultimate object or aim of endeavor, especially one of high or noble character.

   He refuses to compromise any of his ideals.

   Synonyms:

   objective, intention

5. something that exists only in the imagination.

   To achieve the ideal is almost hopeless.

6. 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.

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adjective

1. conceived as constituting a standard of perfection or excellence.

   ideal beauty.

   Synonyms:

   complete, consummate, perfect

2. regarded as perfect of its kind.

   an ideal spot for a home.

3. existing only in the imagination; not real or actual.

   Nature is real; beauty is ideal.

   Synonyms:

   fantastic, fanciful, imaginary, illusory

4. advantageous; excellent; best.

   It would be ideal if she could accompany us as she knows the way.

5. based upon an ideal or ideals.

   the ideal theory of numbers.

6. Philosophy.

   1. pertaining to a possible state of affairs considered as highly desirable.

   2. pertaining to or of the nature of idealism.

ideal British  

/ aɪˈdɪəl, ˌaɪdɪˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. a conception of something that is perfect, esp that which one seeks to attain

2. a person or thing considered to represent perfection

   he's her ideal

3. something existing only as an idea

4. a pattern or model, esp of ethical behaviour

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adjective

1. conforming to an ideal

2. of, involving, or existing in the form of an idea

3. philosophy

   1. of or relating to a highly desirable and possible state of affairs

   2. of or relating to idealism

Related Words

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

• ideality noun
• ideally adverb
• idealness noun
• quasi-ideal adjective
• quasi-ideally adverb
• subideal adjective
• superideal adjective
• superideally adverb
• unideal adjective

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.

Example Sentences

Although a number of Howe's players were away on international duty for most of the gap between games, these past few days still felt like the ideal period for the squad to regroup.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

There is also a fenced garden in the backyard, ideal for those who want to grow fruit or vegetables.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

It wasn’t the ideal environment for a scene like this where you would love to hear a pin drop.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Buying, storing and moving digital currencies can pose operational hurdles, even in ideal conditions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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

Related Words

• excellent
• fitting
• optimal
• quintessential