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
Synonyms
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
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
The tray-mount isn’t ideal for typing feel, but the typical issues with typing consistency aren’t as prominent here as other similar keyboards.
—Henri Robbins, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024
Hanna Trudo, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2024
Gemini’s Mutable energy inspires curiosity and communication, making this lunar event ideal for exploring new perspectives and obtaining significant information.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ideal 
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show current usage.
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Adjective
Liberty Creek delivers easy-drinking, value wines that are ideal for everyday enjoyment.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
The tray-mount isn’t ideal for typing feel, but the typical issues with typing consistency aren’t as prominent here as other similar keyboards.
—Henri Robbins, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
As voters who found sympathies with Trump inch closer toward a home with the GOP, liberals and moderates are in the messy process of figuring out their ideals, how to unite around them and how to message everything to the rest of the country.
—Hanna Trudo, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2024
Gemini’s Mutable energy inspires curiosity and communication, making this lunar event ideal for exploring new perspectives and obtaining significant information.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ideal
Articles Related to ideal
Dictionary Entries Near ideal
Cite this Entry
“Ideal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideal. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.
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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