as in optimism
the attitude of a person who believes that it is possible to live according to very high standards of behavior and honesty
youthful idealism romantic idealism
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Recent Examples of idealism
The company and town formed a polychrome ball of altruistic idealism, entrepreneurial ambition and small-town drama.
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Peter Rubin, Longreads, 12 Dec. 2024
The opposing forces of idealism and practicality, Solitude makes clear, play essential roles in shaping not just families, but entire civilizations.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
Adams is the ideal vessel for that discovery: The character is more clueless about reality than her elders, and yet her idealism is rooted in a humanism that Streep’s reactionary matron lacks.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Written in 1967 by the Nobel Prize-winning Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez, the book follows seven generations of the Buendía family, who follow cyclical paths of obsession, yearning, idealism and detachment, and are tied inextricably to the fate of their home, Macondo.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for idealism 
Peter Rubin, Longreads, 12 Dec. 2024
The opposing forces of idealism and practicality, Solitude makes clear, play essential roles in shaping not just families, but entire civilizations.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2024
Adams is the ideal vessel for that discovery: The character is more clueless about reality than her elders, and yet her idealism is rooted in a humanism that Streep’s reactionary matron lacks.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
Written in 1967 by the Nobel Prize-winning Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez, the book follows seven generations of the Buendía family, who follow cyclical paths of obsession, yearning, idealism and detachment, and are tied inextricably to the fate of their home, Macondo.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for idealism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idealism
Noun
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Flipping your perspective instead of your lid prevents negativity from diminishing your optimism.Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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There is far more optimism this time around, thanks in large part to Daniels — nearly a lock to be AP Offensive Rookie of the year — and coach Dan Quinn.Stephen Whyno, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Much like the moon — which happens to be Cancer's planetary ruler — Mary has an emotional pull that stirs something deep in those around her, effortlessly drawing them into her orbit with her heartfelt sincerity and loving nature.Athena Sobhan, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025
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For three seasons in Laramie, Wyo., Allen heaved 75-yard bombs in practice, lived off Applebee’s and charmed teammates with his leadership style, a goofy sincerity and plenty of drinking games.Rustin Dodd, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Tascioni is an exuberant person by nature, which many antagonists mistake for naivete.Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
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Biden’s naivete on the matter can perhaps be excused, but not Trump’s.John Tamny, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Its designers' naivety shines through clearly, and its rough edges serve as clear reminders of why today's strict formalism has taken root, especially in AAA games where too-big budgets and payrolls leave no room at all for risk.Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2024
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There is a poignant naivety to that, even if his devotional dance soon segues into a fight — all the more dazzling, of course, for being fought and won by a man in a skirt.Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near idealism
Cite this Entry
“Idealism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idealism. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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