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ideal

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun ideal differ from other similar words?

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

When can example be used instead of 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

When might exemplar be a better fit than ideal?

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

In what contexts can model take the place of ideal?

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

When could pattern be used to replace ideal?

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ideal
Adjective
Beyond those basics, ideal conditions also include having enthusiastic audiences, passionate donors, eager and exceptional artistic collaborators, and creative and administrative teams that are supported and empowered to do their difficult work. E. Andrew Taylor, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2025 And with so much natural light, these rooms are ideal for holding lots of live plants to soak up the sun and bring those outdoor elements inside. Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
But teaching students the highest ideals and practices of the profession gives them — and all of us — a framework for evaluating all news and information. Charles Salter, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2025 Each set has two pre-spoons ideal for purées, doubling as a teether for sore gums, and an open-channel spoon for gripping to soft solids. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
  • This transition from theoretical to practical confrontation is all but debilitating, as the grieving father reaches the limits of his empathy.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 24 Feb. 2025
  • These regulations and safety measures are not just theoretical.
    Essence, Essence, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Strike a balance between difficulty and the ability to maintain perfect form.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Finney-Smith grabbed a huge rebound on a rare James miss, set a perfect screen for a Doncic layup and made a great defensive rotation and a clutch steal.
    Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This is about helping people feel ownership of ideas, and motivating them to move forward.
    Scott Mautz, Contributor, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Chip and Joanna Gaines seem to have different ideas of fun at amusement parks!
    Charna Flam, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Remember the thrill of mastering Joust, catching 'em all in every Pokémon game from Game Boy to Game Boy Advance, or throwing down in arcade classics like Street Fighter and Marvel vs. Capcom?
    StackCommerce Team (Sponsored), PCMAG, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Produced by Lionsgate Television and Blumhouse Television which recently partnered on a multi-film deal to conjure anew the horror classics from Lionsgate’s library.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The crucial difference from last season is his belief in his own abilities to alter events to his own purposes.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Kennedy also claimed the reason the children were hospitalized was for quarantine purposes.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • So much so in fact, that echoes of that mythical landscape unexpectedly exist today outside a town three hours due north of Melbourne, Australia.
    Natalie Hoberman, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Universal took to its official social media accounts to release the first photo from the film, which shows Matt Damon in costume as Odysseus, the mythical Greek hero who spends a decade trying to return home after fighting in the Trojan War.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • First, this coverlet was flawless upon unpacking and fit very well, even on a thick mattress.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Arne Slot has built his flawless Liverpool side on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
    Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In an early iteration of the data center model, Epsilon provided connectivity and colocation facilities to house computer servers for customers such as banks.
    Jonathan Burgos, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The company pushed back the launch of an all electric car to focus on an ultra-luxury hybrid model and highlighted risks from potential tariffs and softer sales in China.
    Shashwat Awasthi, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ideal

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