idealism

noun

ide·​al·​ism ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm How to pronounce idealism (audio)
ˈī-(ˌ)dē-
1
a
: the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence
b
: something that is idealized
2
a(1)
: a theory that ultimate reality lies in a realm transcending phenomena
(2)
: a theory that the essential nature of reality lies in consciousness or reason
b(1)
: a theory that only the perceptible is real
(2)
: a theory that only mental states or entities are knowable
3
: literary or artistic theory or practice that affirms the preeminent value of imagination as compared with faithful copying of nature compare realism

Examples of idealism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That said, the way Guardiola has incorporated Haaland into his team by allowing him not to get involved in any build-up play is a dilution of his football idealism that was not known four years ago. The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 31 May 2025 In the years since, he’s woven himself into the civic fabric of Miami Lakes, driven by a blend of pride in his heritage and democratic idealism. Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025 The innocence, the romantic idealism, the naiveté, the appetite for adventure — all of those things were very representative of who Amanda was and what was stolen from both Amanda and Meredith and their families, and the people surrounding them who were revictimized by the injustice that ensued. Debbie Day, EW.com, 28 May 2025 He was kind of inspired by a lot of the best of communism, the best of socialism, the idealism, the hope. Robert Sullivan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for idealism

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1743, in the meaning defined at sense 2a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of idealism was circa 1743

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idealism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idealism. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

idealism

noun
ide·​al·​ism ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm How to pronounce idealism (audio)
ˈī-(ˌ)dē-
: the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence
idealist
-(ə-)ləst
noun
idealistic
(ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈlis-tik
ˌī-dē-
adjective
idealistically
-ti-k(ə-)lē
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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