idealistic

American

[ahy-dee-uh-lis-tik, ahy-dee-uh-] / aɪˌdi əˈlɪs tɪk, ˌaɪ di ə- /

Also idealistical

adjective

of or relating to idealism or idealists.

Other Word Forms

anti-idealistic adjective
anti-idealistically adverb
hyperidealistic adjective
hyperidealistically adverb
idealistically adverb
nonidealistic adjective
nonidealistically adverb
overidealistic adjective
quasi-idealistic adjective
quasi-idealistically adverb
unidealistic adjective
unidealistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of idealistic

First recorded in 1820–30; idealist + -ic

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.

I would chose instead someone young, idealistic, someone on the physical model of Jared Kushner, perhaps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Edgar Snow, born in Kansas City, was an idealistic reporter handpicked by the Communist leadership, in Mr. Dikötter’s words, “after careful vetting.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

Suttasitt "Macky" Pottasak is a typical candidate of Thailand's People's Party: young, idealistic and hardworking.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

The thirst for power has a way of corrupting even the most idealistic hearts, alas.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2026

What I am trying to say - and I do not think this an unfair comment - is that we were a much more idealistic generation.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023