idealism

noun

ide·​al·​ism ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm 

ˈī-(ˌ)dē-

1

a

: the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence

b

: something that is idealized

2

a(1)

: a theory that ultimate reality lies in a realm transcending phenomena

(2)

: a theory that the essential nature of reality lies in consciousness or reason

b(1)

: a theory that only the perceptible is real

(2)

: a theory that only mental states or entities are knowable

3

: literary or artistic theory or practice that affirms the preeminent value of imagination as compared with faithful copying of nature compare realism

Examples of idealism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Washington’s address lacks Jefferson’s idealism about equality and inalienable rights. —Robert A. Strong, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2025

Searching for a logical progression from The Office and like-minded comedies, so far The Paper has come up with a strange, often funny hybrid, with characters experiencing Parks and Rec idealism and Office-style fluorescent-light tedium simultaneously and sometimes incoherently. —Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025

There is Ned’s rich-kid idealism and the lengths Esmerelda goes to in her efforts to undermine him. —Judy Berman, Time, 3 Sep. 2025

Adapted from an autobiographical novel by Frank Courtes, the film is in the trenches of Paul’s personal experience while retaining the perspective that most people who turn to Jobbing do so out of desperation rather than idealism. —Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 29 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1743, in the meaning defined at sense 2a(1)

Rhymes for idealism

• surrealism
• neorealism

Kids Definition

idealism

noun

ide·​al·​ism ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm 

ˈī-(ˌ)dē-

: the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence

idealist

-(ə-)ləst

noun

idealistic

(ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈlis-tik

ˌī-dē-

adjective

idealistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb