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Synonyms
Examples of pipe dream in a Sentence
His plan for starting his own business was just a pipe dream.
opening our own restaurant has long been a pipe dream
Recent Examples on the Web
Those numbers, though, may be a pipe dream for many people.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
Working for your pipe dreams in unconventional ways might spare you the need to open your wallet.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 Nov. 2024
While a pipe dream for some, a group called College Sports Tomorrow unveiled its idea to reshape the college football landscape.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 2 Oct. 2024
While compassionate leadership may seem like a pipe dream when political leadership seems so punitive and polarizing, managers and leaders showing compassion at work may be an antidote to these fractious times.
—Iese Business School, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
from the fantasies brought about by the smoking of opium
First Known Use
1890, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near pipe dream
Cite this Entry
“Pipe dream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pipe%20dream. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
pipe dream
noun
: an unreal and fantastic idea, wish, or story
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