as in romantic
having or marked by a tendency to be guided more by ideals than by reality
an idealist attempt to make a go of a mom-and-pop hardware store on Main Street
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in dreamer
one whose conduct is guided more by the image of perfection than by the real world
an idealist sees the best in everyone, regardless of how they behave
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of idealist
Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2023
Although Oppenheimer represented the idealist wing, who thought development of the bomb might lead to some good end, many of the physicists justified their work on purely empirical grounds.
—Longreads, 20 July 2023
Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 4 Oct. 2024
Had Coppola focused on the dilemma of a white idealist challenged and intimidated by a black political power player, setting off political subterfuge that nearly destroys the dynasty Cesar was born to, Megalopolis might have ignited pop recognition and excitement.
—Armond White, National Review, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for idealist 
Adjective
Sweet floral scents have the same energy as their positive, idealist outlook on life.
—Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2023
Although Oppenheimer represented the idealist wing, who thought development of the bomb might lead to some good end, many of the physicists justified their work on purely empirical grounds.
—Longreads, 20 July 2023
Noun
During the Vietnam War, the hippie enclave of Nelson became a haven for American draft dodgers, drawing even more progressive idealists and non-conformists, and cementing the town’s contrarian Zeitgeist.
—Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 4 Oct. 2024
Had Coppola focused on the dilemma of a white idealist challenged and intimidated by a black political power player, setting off political subterfuge that nearly destroys the dynasty Cesar was born to, Megalopolis might have ignited pop recognition and excitement.
—Armond White, National Review, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for idealist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealist
Adjective
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There have been hints here and there in Pokémon Masters, for example, that Steven and Wallace might be in some kind of romantic relationship.Oliver Brandt, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
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Amid civil unrest and human rights violations, the dictator also sent his wife private sketches of valentine hearts and links to romantic country music songs.Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
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On the night of March 9, the 22-year-old country music dreamer phoned his friend Kevin Hughes, who worked as the chart director at Cash Box magazine.Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
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Perfect for writers, dreamers, and planners, this elegantly crafted one with Coach’s signature leather beautifully captures her thoughts, ideas and memories in style.Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Those are also the building blocks of a society, a shaky foundation that forces the idealistic Tóth to flee one rotten country for another.Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
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The Sun in your eighth house asks you to take a risk and trust others with your vulnerabilities, but Neptune in your 11th house blurs the line between loyal friends and idealistic allies.Valerie Mesa, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Some of these sweeping goals are admirable, some impractical.Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
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Long known for its classic aesthetic, Chris-Craft has exited the pandemic with a plan to reach young, well-heeled watersport enthusiasts who find a more stately million-dollar 37-footer impractical.Jaclyn Trop, Robb Report, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Edward Norton supplies the film with a gentle Pete Seeger, someone used to leading audiences in peaceful, utopian song but increasingly mystified by this newcomer who sharpens the folk movement into a spear and then takes the battle in a completely different direction.Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024
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Ultimately, while the dream that humanity will be freed from the shackles of labor and freed to pursue a life of leisure and creativity is attractive, the leap to this utopian state is far from guaranteed.Bernard Marr, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Here, storytelling is used not as a tool to persuade someone to come around to your beliefs, but as a way of building trust in a relationship even when there are ideological differences.Esther K. Choy, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
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Despite clear ideological differences between Trump and former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a leftist, the two leaders managed to forge a relationship that was transactional and ultimately respectful.Brian Winter, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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If not the quixotic quest for the playoffs, then as a testament to quality for players and coaches and a momentum starter for the 2025 season.Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2024
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There are the holidays, there is the cooler weather, there are the end-of-year lists, the quixotic New Year's resolutions, all manner of things.Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 29 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near idealist
Cite this Entry
“Idealist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idealist. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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