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
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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
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idealitynoun
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idealnessnoun
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quasi-idealadjective
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subidealadjective
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superidealadjective
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unidealadjective
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ideallyadverb
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quasi-ideallyadverb
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superideallyadverb
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
"The objectives behind the DFA make our issue an ideal fit for it, since it addresses similar issues of digital rights and lack of clarity from existing laws."
From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026
For Roberts and the Dodgers, that would be the ideal: Let Ohtani pitch the first inning so he can follow his normal pregame routine, since he has a routine for both pitching and hitting.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026
But in an ideal world, should ticket prices be cheap?
From Salon • Jun. 14, 2026
India's wild supply of cheap agave plants is far from ideal, points out Indian entrepreneur Sree Harsha Vadlamudi.
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
Both are part of a larger desire, not to remake the world in our image but to recast ourselves and our environment in ideal form.
From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson
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.
