ide·al
ī-ˈdē(-ə)l 
ˈī-ˌdē(-ə)l
ˈī-ˌdē(-ə)l
1
a
: of, relating to, or embodying an ideal
ideal beauty
b
: conforming exactly to an ideal, law, or standard : perfect
an ideal gas
compare real sense 1c(4)
2
a
: existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only
broadly
: lacking practicality
b
: relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions
3
: of or relating to philosophical idealism
4
: existing as an archetypal idea
1
: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence
2
: one regarded as exemplifying an ideal and often taken as a model for imitation
3
: an ultimate object or aim of endeavor : goal
4
: a subset of a mathematical ring that is closed under addition and subtraction and contains the products of any given element of the subset with each element of the ring
Examples of ideal in a Sentence
Adjective
It was an ideal spot for a vacation.
She is an ideal candidate for the job.
The conference provided us with an ideal opportunity to meet new people.
Noun
an ideal of romantic love
He hasn't lived up to his high ideals.
She considers the actress her ideal.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2025
While this piece is ideal for a smaller bathroom, hallway, or kitchen, Wayfair has more storage cabinets that are sure to fit any space.
—Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Jenna Ryu, SELF, 8 Apr. 2025
This Anker power bank stores up to two full charges for your phone and has a USB-C port ideal for fast charging.
—Jordyn Burrell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideal
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Adjective
Elsewhere is a cozy study for getting some work done, while both a private garden and a rooftop terrace serve as ideal spots for dining alfresco when the London weather decides to cooperate.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2025
While this piece is ideal for a smaller bathroom, hallway, or kitchen, Wayfair has more storage cabinets that are sure to fit any space.
—Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
On top of that, when your roots and pillow are damp, that creates a moist, warm breeding ground ideal for Malassezia yeast, which in excess, can cause dandruff, per Dr. Cheng, or an inflammatory skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis (characterized by itchy, greasy patches).
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 8 Apr. 2025
This Anker power bank stores up to two full charges for your phone and has a USB-C port ideal for fast charging.
—Jordyn Burrell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideal
Cite this Entry
“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideal. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ideal
1 of 2 adjective
ide·al
ī-ˈdē(-ə)l
ˈī-ˌdē(-ə)l
1
: existing only in the mind : not real
a purely ideal conception of society
2
: having no flaw : perfect
ideal weather
ideal
2 of 2 noun1
: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence
2
: a perfect type : a model for imitation
Medical Definition
ideal
1 of 2 adjective
ide·al
ī-ˈdē(-ə)l
ˈī-ˌ
ˈī-ˌ
1
: existing as an archetypal idea
2
a
: existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only
b
: relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions
ideal
2 of 2 noun
: a standard of perfection, beauty, or excellence
self-criticism and the formation of ideals are … the essential manifestations of the superego—G. S. Blum
G. S. BlumLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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