idealism
noun
ide·al·ism
ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm 
ˈī-(ˌ)dē-
1
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
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Simmons has to earn the job with his play after an evaluation backed by something more than idealism.
—
Sam McDowell July 22, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025
Basho resonated with the era’s romantic idealism: finding yourself on the road, rejecting society, and embracing nature with a strand of Buddhism.
—Rebecca Chace
july 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
By late 1974, the communal idealism had soured, undercut by cocaine, burnout, and turf wars among the crew.
—Noah Eckstein, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025
When Jupiter in Cancer squares Neptune in Aries, the tension between emotional growth and the idealism of your dreams can lead to inner conflict.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for idealism
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Sam McDowell July 22, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025
Basho resonated with the era’s romantic idealism: finding yourself on the road, rejecting society, and embracing nature with a strand of Buddhism.
—Rebecca Chace
july 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
By late 1974, the communal idealism had soured, undercut by cocaine, burnout, and turf wars among the crew.
—Noah Eckstein, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025
When Jupiter in Cancer squares Neptune in Aries, the tension between emotional growth and the idealism of your dreams can lead to inner conflict.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for idealism
Cite this Entry
“Idealism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idealism. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
idealism
noun
ide·al·ism
ī-ˈdē-(ə-)ˌliz-əm
ˈī-(ˌ)dē-
: the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence
idealist
noun
-(ə-)ləst
idealistic
adjective
(ˌ)ī-ˌdē-(ə-)ˈlis-tik
ˌī-dē-
idealistically
adverb
-ti-k(ə-)lē
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