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Definitions

idealism

[ahy-dee-uh-liz-uhm] / aɪˈdi əˌlɪz əm /
NOUN
greatness
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dignity fame generosity glory grandeur heroism importance majesty merit morality nobility prominence
STRONG
celebrity chivalry distinction high-mindedness illustriousness loftiness magnanimity note renown stateliness sublimity worthiness
Antonyms
STRONGEST
insignificance unimportance
WEAK
littleness smallness tininess
NOUN
optimism
Synonyms
STRONGEST
anticipation certainty confidence elation enthusiasm expectation happiness trust
STRONG
assurance brightness buoyancy calmness cheer cheerfulness easiness encouragement exhilaration hopefulness positivism sanguineness sureness
WEAK
good cheer looking on bright side rose-colored glasses
Antonyms
STRONGEST
depression distrust doubt fear sadness sorrow uncertainty unhappiness
STRONG
discouragement gloom
WEAK
hopelessness pessimism
NOUN
perfection
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accomplishment evolution excellence fulfillment ideal integrity precision purity quality superiority supremacy transcendence virtue
STRONG
acme arete completion consummation crown ending entireness exactness excellency exquisiteness faultlessness finish finishing impeccability maturity merit paragon realization ripeness sublimity wholeness
WEAK
achieving perfectness
Antonyms
STRONGEST
failure frustration imperfection inferiority
WEAK
damage deficiency flaw incompleteness uselessness worthlessness
NOUN
rose-colored glasses
Synonyms
WEAK
dream world hope idealization rosy picture
NOUN
sanguineness
Synonyms
STRONG
anticipation assurance brightness buoyancy calmness certainty cheer cheerfulness confidence easiness elation encouragement enthusiasm exhilaration expectation happiness hopefulness positivism sanguinity sureness trust
WEAK
good cheer looking on bright side rose-colored glasses
Antonyms
STRONG
depression discouragement distrust doubt fear gloom sadness sorrow uncertainty unhappiness
NOUN
sanguinity
Synonyms
STRONG
anticipation assurance brightness buoyancy calmness certainty cheer cheerfulness confidence easiness elation encouragement enthusiasm exhilaration expectation happiness hopefulness positivism sanguineness sureness trust
WEAK
good cheer looking on bright side rose-colored glasses
Antonyms
STRONG
depression discouragement distrust doubt fear gloom sadness sorrow uncertainty unhappiness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Based on these challenges, Koch suggests it may be necessary to revisit older philosophical ideas like idealism or panpsychism.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

If idealism outlives youth, ESG investing will grow significantly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

As Mrie recounts, Syrian democratic idealism curdled over time into infighting and worse.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

The scene that best defines the story’s idealism happens long before Dunk gets clunked in the head or skewered by a lance.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026

I enrolled in every course I could squeeze into my schedule, from German idealism to the history of secularism to ethics and law.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Vocabulary lists containing idealism

Some Political and Philosophical -isms

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"The Lady, or the Tiger?" by Frank R. Stockton

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Cesar Chavez's Commonwealth Club Address (1984)

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