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

Example 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

Beyond those basics, ideal conditions also include having enthusiastic audiences, passionate donors, eager and exceptional artistic collaborators, and creative and administrative teams that are supported and empowered to do their difficult work. —

E. Andrew Taylor, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2025 And with so much natural light, these rooms are ideal for holding lots of live plants to soak up the sun and bring those outdoor elements inside. —

Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Feb. 2025

Noun

In an era marked by the rise of authoritarian governments, this susceptibility could have far-reaching implications because fear often drives individuals to prioritize immediate safety over moral or ideological ideals. —

Yalda T. Uhls, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025 Nonprofit group Gunnison Trails grooms nearly 20 miles of singletrack specifically for fat biking, using a special track sled to keep the trail width ideal and the surface packed perfectly for fat tires. —

Shauna Farnell, The Denver Post, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ideal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal

Adjective

This type of cosmic phenomenon is named after the famous theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, whose theory of general relativity proposed that objects with mass distort the fabric of spacetime—making such 'gravitational lensing' effects possible.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Elsie supplements her work as an adjunct professor in theoretical physics by offering up herself as a fake girlfriend.

— Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025