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ideal

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noun

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
Just off the coast near Fort Myers, Captiva Island's unique curve in the Gulf creates ideal conditions for world-class shelling. Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 24 July 2025 The crisp lines make this an ideal addition to a minimalist space. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2025
Noun
Politicians should weigh genuine options and be forced, to whatever extent possible, to explain their ends, rather than treat such ideals as democracy and freedom like smoke screens for secret ones. Samuel Moyn, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025 Research has shown that insects will likely find Ohio's weather ideal and become established. Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ideal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideal
Adjective
  • From my perspective, these shifts aren’t theoretical.
    Jack Thorogood, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Carter, who had a doctorate in theoretical physics, dispatched a team of officers to the Bay Area to set up an outpost—officially called the Defense Innovation Unit, but known at the Pentagon as Unit X.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • One of the town favorites, Mast General Store, got started in Western North Carolina in the 19th century and is still providing the area with outdoor goods and apparel perfect for adventures in WNC and beyond.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 20 July 2025
  • In the post’s third slide, Mahomes posed alongside her husband Patrick Mahomes, and their two children, Sterling and Bronze, while wearing a plain T-shirt, black shorts, and a fuss-free crossbody bag perfect for days spent chasing little ones.
    Averi Baudler, People.com, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Send ideas and tips to [email protected].
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
  • Notable Music speakers: Wyclef Jean, Wynonna Judd, 2016: President Barack Obama discusses civic engagement, while first lady Michelle Obama's talks about her Let Girls Learn initiative and using music to promote ideas.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • The film didn’t perform well, but the soundtrack has become a cult classic, and now, The Pick of Destiny has become a commercial success.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • During a stay, guests are privy to elaborate breakfast spreads that present Mexican classics like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles in the highest quality manner with ingredients sourced from traditional markets around the city.
    Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • In addition to being easier to use, steamers can serve a dual purpose; the steam acts as a natural deodorizer, eliminating not only wrinkles but also odor-causing bacteria.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2025
  • As Wolf says, cannabis hospitality’s future belongs to those who serve purpose, not novelty — building a new kind of travel rooted in mindfulness, connection and place.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Its mythical story left an indelible mark on my mind.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Opened in 2020, the museum features interactive exhibits dedicated to the mythical sea creature.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • The illusion was flawless, the synchronization perfect.
    Luciana Cemerka, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Any robotaxi service, Waymo included, needs to be virtually flawless in order to scale the service safely—yet with Tesla there’s no sign of that, according to Martinez.
    Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • The pool brand names and model numbers can be found on the pool liner on the outside of the pool.
    Melina Khan, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
  • Every new IIoT device becomes a potential entry point, and traditional isolation models break down.
    Ian Bramson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideal. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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