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
Recent Examples on the Web
Exasperated by his country’s divisive struggles to establish the rule of law and resist the temptations of strongman leadership, the lawyer displays a portrait of Vaclav Havel, an icon of democratic idealism, on the wall of his country house in western Slovakia.
—
Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 19 May 2024
The work has a countertenor, who stands for the adult world, more or less, and a children’s chorus, which stands for idealism and righteousness.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 17 May 2024
Shot on black-and-white 16mm by Galinsky, the film captures the get-in-the-van exploits of a band on tour and also the peculiar mix of creativity, boredom, perseverance and idealism that comes along with the on-the-road indie ethos.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024
Meanwhile, the mayor’s independent-minded daughter Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), who parties hard with her club-kid besties, is drawn to Cesar’s idealism.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 May 2024
Their idealism may also lead to a disconnect between their vision and reality.
—Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 8 May 2024
Yet there is something in her vision, its materialism and its idealism too, that might serve us.
—Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
This flat-footed rejection of youthful idealism jeopardizes Joe Biden’s ability to secure the youth vote this fall.
—Bruce Fuller, Orange County Register, 12 May 2024
Starring Françoise Lebrun, Bernadette Lafont and Jean-Pierre Léaud, the film is a portrait of a generation in microcosm and idealism in decline, as a brief three-way relationship tears the main characters apart.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024
Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 19 May 2024
The work has a countertenor, who stands for the adult world, more or less, and a children’s chorus, which stands for idealism and righteousness.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 17 May 2024
Shot on black-and-white 16mm by Galinsky, the film captures the get-in-the-van exploits of a band on tour and also the peculiar mix of creativity, boredom, perseverance and idealism that comes along with the on-the-road indie ethos.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024
Meanwhile, the mayor’s independent-minded daughter Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), who parties hard with her club-kid besties, is drawn to Cesar’s idealism.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 May 2024
Their idealism may also lead to a disconnect between their vision and reality.
—Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 8 May 2024
Yet there is something in her vision, its materialism and its idealism too, that might serve us.
—Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
This flat-footed rejection of youthful idealism jeopardizes Joe Biden’s ability to secure the youth vote this fall.
—Bruce Fuller, Orange County Register, 12 May 2024
Starring Françoise Lebrun, Bernadette Lafont and Jean-Pierre Léaud, the film is a portrait of a generation in microcosm and idealism in decline, as a brief three-way relationship tears the main characters apart.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'idealism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near idealism
Cite this Entry
“Idealism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idealism. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
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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