as in theoretical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea
ideograms are ideational—they are meant to suggest some general idea and not a particular word or phrase
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Recent Examples of ideational
The ideational content of the image — a man killing another man on a public sidewalk — is only half the message.
—
F.k. Plous, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
The United States, of course, cannot share everything—physical or ideational—with its partners.
—Thomas G. Mahnken, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2024
This ideational convergence, deepened by two decades of accumulating trust between India and the United States, has enhanced the strategic partnership and set the stage for even closer cooperation in the future.
—Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2020
Steven Spielberg extends Griffith’s and Ford’s historical insight through an astonishing mix of visual and ideational dialectics.
—Armond White, National Review, 28 June 2023
Einstein’s theories as ideational relativism.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 3 May 2021
And the Trump Administration is taking concrete steps to encourage this ideational fusion.
—Time, 13 Dec. 2019
F.k. Plous, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
The United States, of course, cannot share everything—physical or ideational—with its partners.
—Thomas G. Mahnken, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2024
This ideational convergence, deepened by two decades of accumulating trust between India and the United States, has enhanced the strategic partnership and set the stage for even closer cooperation in the future.
—Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2020
Steven Spielberg extends Griffith’s and Ford’s historical insight through an astonishing mix of visual and ideational dialectics.
—Armond White, National Review, 28 June 2023
Einstein’s theories as ideational relativism.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 3 May 2021
And the Trump Administration is taking concrete steps to encourage this ideational fusion.
—Time, 13 Dec. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideational
Adjective
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This isn’t just theoretical—Ben & Jerry’s founders have openly discussed buying back the brand from Unilever.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
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The best theoretical fit thus far is known as the Lambda CDM model, which incorporates both a weakly interacting cold dark matter and dark energy.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
Ars Technica,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Beckett reminds us of the metaphysical vastness that the stage can contain.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2025
-
Beelzebub, however, is nothing but evil incarnate, first appearing as a sort of metaphysical pollution—a writhing black oil-like glob suspended in midair.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
But nine months in, except for releasing broad, conceptual artists’ renderings to neighborhood groups, HP Village — rebranded last year at The Village Collection — has yet to submit even preliminary plans to City Hall or the City Plan Commission.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2025
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Unlike regular magazines, Billboard Artist is a large-format, unbound conceptual edition where each page feels like a collectible poster.—
Billboard Korea,
Billboard,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Facts and figures alone fail to inspire, but stories humanize data, making abstract concepts relatable and emotionally engaging.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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He is known for his colorful blend of Eastern and Western painting styles, abstract sculptures and ink paintings.—
The Editors of ARTnews,
ARTnews.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Williamson said earlier this week that his hamstring is completely healed, but his mental state remains a work in progress.—
oregonlive,
oregonlive,
13 Apr. 2023
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Sign up That Torrance pushed Vial and Eduardo to such mental anguish does not surprise immigrant-justice advocates.—
María Inés Taracena,
The New Republic,
12 Apr. 2023
Adjective
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Nurturing Intellectual Curiosity Selective colleges consistently seek students who demonstrate intellectual vitality—a genuine enthusiasm for learning that extends beyond grade-seeking behavior.—
Dr. Aviva Legatt,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Dugin rails against the European Enlightenment, the intellectual root of modern rationalism and liberalism, and defines himself in the lineage of Counter-Enlightenment thinkers, such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ideational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideational. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
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