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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
Gelfond says the film’s visual scale and scope are ideal for the Imax experience. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 June 2025 Giving you multiple colorway options to flaunt depending on your mood, the bags are ideal for cutting down on single-use plastics, machine washable, and made out of soft cotton. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
Noun
Wayfair’s Epic Summer Sale ends June 16, and with it, steep discounts on thousands of airy bedding options ideal for warm weather. Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 June 2025 All inputs are clicky but quiet—ideal for office use where mechanical switch noise might be distracting. PC Magazine, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
  • And the consequences of those delays were not theoretical.
    Dr. Shelley Sella, Time, 11 June 2025
  • My expertise in information technology over a 30-year journey often requires an immersion of innovative technologies, such as AI, to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.
    Deanna Laster, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • On Saturday, Jones wasn’t available to save her team and its perfect record.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025
  • The group combined for nine strikeouts, five by Shawn Armstrong in his three perfect innings to begin the game.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Nearly half of these offenders exhibited evidence of fixation – an intense or obsessive preoccupation with an individual, activity, or idea.
    Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 16 June 2025
  • Interacting with experienced individuals, solving non-artistic problems and engaging in varied tasks exposes you to new ideas, perspectives and life experiences that subtly inform and enrich your art.
    Kice Akkawi, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • The set, which was once a cult classic, but now should be regarded simply as a hugely successful release, also breaks into the top 10 on the Billboard 200.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Hadid’s twist on the classic includes a crashing wave design across the footbed, paired with a minimalist beige strap.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • While these measures aim to increase efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs by eliminating administrative burdens, DEI may have served a crucial purpose in enhancing VA services to its underserved veteran communities.
    Cristina Johnson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
  • The vast majority of university endowments are restricted to specific purposes such as scholarships, professorships and other academic programs.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even with the security, though, collectors and fans are able to get up close to items that may have previously seemed mythical.
    Larry Holder, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • The electric Nebraska has become a mythical object for Springsteen fans over the years, and there’s been a lot of evidence suggesting the tapes do exist.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Setup Is Perfect For Activism And Restructuring Red Lobster’s recent bankruptcy serves as a prime example of not wanting things to be flawless.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Local water sausage executes a flawless 360,493° ultra-zoom mega spin.
    Bluesky Social, Bluesky Social, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Many experts advocate for training models in a multimodal manner rather than focusing on individual media types.
    Arun Shastri, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • Next, Alex utilized existing AI algorithms to analyze that scan, creating a digital model of what the painting likely first looked like in its pristine, unblemished form.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 15 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ideal

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