ideal

1 of 2

adjective

ide·​al ī-ˈdē(-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 2

noun

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

Choose the Right Synonym for ideal

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation.

model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

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

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

Examples of ideal in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Pioneer Woman Keyhole Blouse Buy on Walmart $20 The Pioneer Woman Keyhole Blouse is a lightweight, long-sleeve top that features several details that are ideal for spring. —Rachel Trujillo, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2024

Tampa’s size, speed and physical mentality is ideal for bump-and-run coverage. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2024

For collectors interested in preserving untouched strains from various regions worldwide, landrace strains are ideal. —Anna Miller, Sacramento Bee, 26 Apr. 2024

The ideal sugar alternative is more than just sweet. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 26 Apr. 2024

The vessel’s open 26-seat dining atrium also not only provides ample space for events, but is ideal for multi-generational cruising. —Chloe Braithwaite, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2024

While there’s no ideal timeline, per se, from movie release to attraction, D’Amaro’s team typically has an early look at coming film and TV projects in order to envision next steps. —Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Apr. 2024

As this writer mentioned in a recent mailbag, the ideal scenario for the Panthers at No. 33 is to have a wide receiver, cornerbacks or edge rusher with an internal first-round grade fall to the second round. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2024

The jacket fits snugly with an adjustable Velcro strap across the belly and is the ideal fit for dogs 12 to 23 inches long. —Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024

Noun

The vibrant spirit of the island is also extant across the property’s three new restaurants and bars, like the panoramic terrace bar ideal for sipping sundowners and snacking on crudo. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2024

But the company is now assessing whether to make changes to better accommodate its customers’ preferences without straying from its brand ideals, said Jordan. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 26 Apr. 2024

In the Library Suite, a staircase secreted behind the 19th-century needlepoint screen that serves as a headboard leads to a mezzanine library with a stained glass rose window, while a side room has a cozy corner by a fireplace ideal for curling up with some treasure from the bookshelves. —Lila Harron Battis, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2024

There are many everyday tools from the shed or toolbox ideal for cutting down and killing stinknet. —Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 17 Apr. 2024

Their lives were so grand, so architectural, infrastructural, awesome, admired, adventurous, outsize, so representative of some (or many) of this country’s ideals that the elegies come gushing. —Wesley Morris, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024

And frankly we will not be deterred from trying to help move the state toward those ideals, no matter what recriminations are leveled against our family, our business, and our 100 amazing employees. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 2024

This ideal meant there was little space for Black country artists like Linda Martell, who Beyoncé referenced on Cowboy Carter. —TIME, 12 Apr. 2024

Donald Trump’s ideals are not those of what used to be the Republican Party. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024

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

• beau ideal
• ego ideal
• far from ideal
• ideal point

Kids Definition

ideal

1 of 2 adjective

ide·​al ī-ˈdē(-ə)l 

ˈī-ˌdē(-ə)l

1

: existing only in the mind : not real

a purely ideal conception of society

2

: having no flaw : perfect

ideal weather

ideal

2 of 2 noun

1

: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence

2

: a perfect type : a model for imitation

Medical Definition

ideal

1 of 2 adjective

ide·​al ī-ˈdē(-ə)l  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 2 noun

: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence

self-criticism and the formation of ideals are … the essential manifestations of the superego

—G. S. Blum