ideal
1 of 2adjective
ide·al ī-ˈdē(-ə)l 
ˈī-ˌdē(-ə)l
ˈī-ˌdē(-ə)l 1
a
: of, relating to, or embodying an ideal
ideal beauty
b
: conforming exactly to an ideal, law, or standard : perfect
an ideal gas
compare real sense 1c(4) 2
a
: existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only
broadly : lacking practicality
b
: relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions
3
: of or relating to philosophical idealism
4
: existing as an archetypal idea
ideal
2 of 2noun
1
: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence
2
: one regarded as exemplifying an ideal and often taken as a model for imitation
3
: an ultimate object or aim of endeavor : goal
4
: a subset of a mathematical ring that is closed under addition and subtraction and contains the products of any given element of the subset with each element of the ring
idealless
ī-ˈdē(-ə)l-ləs
adjective 
Synonyms
Adjective
- abstract
- conceptual
- ideational
- metaphysical
- notional
- theoretical
- theoretic
Noun
- beau ideal
- classic
- eidolon
- exemplar
- idea
- model
- nonesuch
- nonpareil
- paragon
- patron saint
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective It was an ideal spot for a vacation. She is an ideal candidate for the job. The conference provided us with an ideal opportunity to meet new people. Noun an ideal of romantic love He hasn't lived up to his high ideals. She considers the actress her ideal. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Douglas Hook, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2022 According to Moore, freezing temperatures are not ideal for leaves. Shanti Lerner, The Arizona Republic, 16 Sep. 2022 Running the central-California track in mid-September instead of towards the end also keeps IndyCar overlapping with just one NFL weekend over the course of the late-summer/fall slate, which is ideal for TV ratings. Nathan Brown, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Sep. 2022 Such cards turned out to be ideal for crypto mining rigs. David Hamilton, ajc, 15 Sep. 2022 The cuffed long sleeves are also ideal for chilly fall weather. Taylor Jean Stephan, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2022 There are also many outdoor lounge areas, a fireplace and a dining table, which are ideal for those who love to entertain. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2022 The Old West was not ideal for hoop skirts and bustles, and although Calamity Jane was unusual, the landscape bred independence. Sarah Hepola, ELLE, 12 Sep. 2022 Many emergency snappers are tight ends whose body types may not be ideal for the position. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2022 Gerald Marzorati, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2022 The Death of Seneca shows the philosopher dying standing up, signifying the Roman ideal of virtus: valor, bravery, and character. Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2022 For working in peace, taking meetings or simply have some tunes on the go, these are the ideal (and very portable) choice. Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2022 The Bronx definitely has a unique zip code beauty ideal, different from other places. Jihan Forbes, Allure, 24 July 2022 That old-school ideal of long gowns, neutral hues, preppy pantsuits, or demure tweed skirt suits? Kristen Bateman, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 July 2022 Many ideal for positioning in a corner of your home. Camryn Rabideau, Popular Mechanics, 7 July 2022 On the coastline of El Salvador near Shalpa Beach, Lagarza is a small, bohemian hostel ideal for surfers and backpackers who want to experience a budget vacation surrounded by nature. Isabella Rolz, Washington Post, 6 July 2022 But the ideal—a genuinely inclusive education, especially in settings that welcome everyone—should serve the common good and further democracy. Charles Mccrary, The New Republic, 5 July 2022 See More
Adjective
Being able to conduct training on smaller airfields closer to towns and cities with zero C02 emissions and minimum noise is ideal for the small airport in Hartford, Rutka said. Douglas Hook, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2022 According to Moore, freezing temperatures are not ideal for leaves. Shanti Lerner, The Arizona Republic, 16 Sep. 2022 Running the central-California track in mid-September instead of towards the end also keeps IndyCar overlapping with just one NFL weekend over the course of the late-summer/fall slate, which is ideal for TV ratings. Nathan Brown, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Sep. 2022 Such cards turned out to be ideal for crypto mining rigs. David Hamilton, ajc, 15 Sep. 2022 The cuffed long sleeves are also ideal for chilly fall weather. Taylor Jean Stephan, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2022 There are also many outdoor lounge areas, a fireplace and a dining table, which are ideal for those who love to entertain. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2022 The Old West was not ideal for hoop skirts and bustles, and although Calamity Jane was unusual, the landscape bred independence. Sarah Hepola, ELLE, 12 Sep. 2022 Many emergency snappers are tight ends whose body types may not be ideal for the position. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2022 Noun
Has there ever been a player who got more proximate to some formal ideal of tennis, who pursued its possibility for transcendent beauty with greater effect and results, than Roger Federer? Gerald Marzorati, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2022 The Death of Seneca shows the philosopher dying standing up, signifying the Roman ideal of virtus: valor, bravery, and character. Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2022 For working in peace, taking meetings or simply have some tunes on the go, these are the ideal (and very portable) choice. Thomas Hindle, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2022 The Bronx definitely has a unique zip code beauty ideal, different from other places. Jihan Forbes, Allure, 24 July 2022 That old-school ideal of long gowns, neutral hues, preppy pantsuits, or demure tweed skirt suits? Kristen Bateman, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 July 2022 Many ideal for positioning in a corner of your home. Camryn Rabideau, Popular Mechanics, 7 July 2022 On the coastline of El Salvador near Shalpa Beach, Lagarza is a small, bohemian hostel ideal for surfers and backpackers who want to experience a budget vacation surrounded by nature. Isabella Rolz, Washington Post, 6 July 2022 But the ideal—a genuinely inclusive education, especially in settings that welcome everyone—should serve the common good and further democracy. Charles Mccrary, The New Republic, 5 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English ydeall, from Late Latin idealis, from Latin idea
First Known Use
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4
Noun
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing ideal
Kids Definition
ideal 1 of 2
adjective
ide·al ī-ˈdē-əl
: having no flaw : perfect
ideal weather
ideal
2 of 2noun
1
: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence
He couldn't live up to his own ideals.
2
: someone who deserves to be imitated or admired
She considered the older woman her ideal.
Medical Definition
ideal 1 of 2
adjective
ide·al ī-ˈdē(-ə)l ˈī-ˌ
ˈī-ˌ 1
: existing as an archetypal idea
2
a
: existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only
b
: relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions
ideal
2 of 2noun
: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence
self-criticism and the formation of ideals are … the essential manifestations of the superego G. S. Blum
G. S. Blumideal 1 of 2
adjective
1
as in theoretical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea honesty is an ideal entity that has more admirers than practitioners Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- theoretical
- theoretic
- metaphysical
- abstract
- conceptual
- intellectual
- mental
- hypothetical
- spiritual
- speculative
- ideational
- notional
- transcendental
- impractical
- invisible
- cosmic
- romantic
- utopian
- immaterial
- conjectural
- cosmical
- unreal
- transcendent
- imperceptible
- nonmaterial
- insubstantial
- intangible
- unsubstantial
- incorporeal
- nonphysical
- ethereal
- visionary
- impalpable
- insensible
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- physical
- concrete
- sensible
- substantial
- actual
- real
- visible
- appreciable
- material
- tangible
- definite
- noticeable
- distinct
- observable
- discernible
- perceptible
- nonabstract
- defined
- detectable
- palpable
- discernable
- factual
2
as in mythical
not real and existing only in the imagination depicts an ideal society in which conflict and privation are unknown Synonyms & Similar Words
- mythical
- imaginary
- fictitious
- fictional
- mythic
- fantasied
- imagined
- fantastic
- theoretical
- unreal
- fantastical
- unlikely
- fanciful
- invented
- phantom
- fabulous
- chimerical
- romantic
- notional
- imaginal
- legendary
- hypothetical
- pretend
- phantasmic
- phantasmal
- theoretic
- visionary
- make-believe
- made-up
- fabled
- unbelievable
- abstract
- chimeric
- envisioned
- deceptive
- envisaged
- visualized
- pictured
- conceived
- illusory
- unconvincing
- nonexistent
- fictive
- delusive
- daydreamlike
- delusional
- hallucinatory
- phantasmagoric
- concocted
- fabricated
- phantasmagorical
- inexistent
- feigned
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- real
- actual
- true
- existing
- genuine
- existent
- authentic
- realistic
- factual
- solid
- physical
- substantial
- convincing
- verifiable
- believable
- material
- tangible
- corporeal
- palpable
- verified
3
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- perfect
- flawless
- excellent
- prime
- superb
- immaculate
- great
- perfected
- terrific
- absolute
- faultless
- seamless
- exceptional
- irreproachable
- impeccable
- unblemished
- classic
- picture-perfect
- polished
- letter-perfect
- superior
- marvelous
- indefectible
- entire
- fine
- picture-book
- expert
- special
- fabulous
- dandy
- superlative
- completed
- whole
- marvellous
- unsurpassed
- complete
- consummate
- top
- grand
- masterly
- accurate
- finished
- intact
- correct
- fancy
- first-rate
- precise
- unspoiled
- exact
- first-class
- top-notch
- undamaged
- unimpaired
- bulletproof
- mint
- uninjured
- airtight
- unmarred
- infallible
- unerring
- unfailing
- high-grade
- unbruised
- inerrant
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- imperfect
- bad
- inadequate
- insufficient
- defective
- wanting
- flawed
- incomplete
- faulty
- deficient
- amiss
- unfinished
- censurable
- unpolished
- reproachable
- wrong
- broken
- fallible
- injured
- spoiled
- damaged
- impaired
- misshapen
- wretched
- atrocious
- inaccurate
- blighted
- incorrect
- imprecise
- malformed
- execrable
- inexact
- blemished
- disfigured
- vitiated
- marred
- defaced
ideal
2 of 2noun
1
as in idea
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation she's our ideal of the concerned, caring physician Synonyms & Similar Words
- idea
- model
- example
- incarnation
- pinnacle
- patron saint
- classic
- manifestation
- exemplar
- paragon
- beau ideal
- principle
- essence
- mirror
- nonpareil
- paradigm
- nonesuch
- guideline
- personification
- phantom
- role model
- embodiment
- archetype
- touchstone
- pink
- epitome
- zenith
- standard
- eidolon
- apotheosis
- culmination
- apex
- gage
- rule
- gauge
- summit
- pattern
- peak
- acme
- quintessence
2
as in classic
the most perfect type or example the Taj Mahal in India is generally regarded as the ideal of Mogul architectural beauty Synonyms & Similar Words
- classic
- perfection
- model
- manifestation
- apotheosis
- incarnation
- ultimate
- exemplar
- epitome
- beau ideal
- quintessence
- zenith
- acme
- paradigm
- prototype
- byword
- standard
- archetype
- height
- benchmark
- avatar
- criterion
- abstract
- personification
- paragon
- embodiment
- incorporation
- touchstone
- nonpareil
- last word
- yardstick
- embodier
- meridian
3
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- purpose
- goal
- aim
- plan
- objective
- idea
- intention
- dream
- intent
- thing
- object
- ambition
- target
- aspiration
- design
- meaning
- point
- end
- mark
- project
- desire
- bourne
- hope
- name of the game
- wish
- destination
- scheme
- bourn
- pretension
- mind
- holy grail
- nirvana
- plot
- grail
- terminus
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- way
- means
- method
Synonym Chooser
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
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
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
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
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