IDEAL Synonyms: 301 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ideal 1 of 2

adjective

ī-ˈdē(-ə)l

Definition of ideal next

as in theoretical

dealing with or expressing a quality or idea honesty is an ideal entity that has more admirers than practitioners

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in mythic

not real and existing only in the imagination depicts an ideal society in which conflict and privation are unknown

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as in perfect

being entirely without fault or flaw for years she's been searching for a man who would make an ideal husband, and she's still looking

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ideal

2 of 2

noun

as in idea

someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation she's our ideal of the concerned, caring physician

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as in classic

the most perfect type or example the Taj Mahal in India is generally regarded as the ideal of Mogul architectural beauty

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as in purpose

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish his ideal is to make enough money so that he can retire at 50

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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

This spectacle will have a window of ideal visibility through February 21. March 14: Total lunar eclipse Sometimes, full moons get called colorful names that are a bit of a fake-out: A blue moon isn’t really blue, and a pink moon isn’t really pink. —

Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024 Johann Sebastian Bach's works were an ideal choice given the highly mathematical structure, plus the composer was so prolific, across so many very different kinds of musical compositions—preludes, fugues, chorales, toccatas, concertos, suites, and cantatas—as to allow for useful comparisons. —

Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024

Noun

An incongruity of ideals shaped by age, gender and religious devotion may place a family at a standstill, but the recognition of them becomes a sign of progress. —

Stephen Saito, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024 When Ethan decides to run for Congress as a Republican, his progressive partner is forced to choose between his leftist ideals and his upwardly mobile spouse. —

Shannon Carlin, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ideal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal

Adjective

Both have theoretical appeal as a refuge from wider geopolitical and market volatility, though this has not always borne out for crypto prices.

Jenni Reid, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024
The decision leaves open a theoretical possibility another prosecutor could take over the case, but the path forward remains precarious.

Brett Samuels, The Hill, 19 Dec. 2024