idealistic
/aɪˌdiːəˈlɪstɪk/
ADJECTIVE
1. Guided by high ideals and optimistic beliefs
Having or expressing strong beliefs in noble principles, moral values, or the possibility of achieving a better world, often with great hope and confidence.
1.1. Optimism and hopefulness
Describes an outlook characterized by confidence in positive outcomes, human goodness, and the possibility of improvement despite difficulties.
Synonyms
- optimistic
- hopeful
- upbeat
- Pollyannaish
- Pollyannish
- rosy
Antonyms
- pessimistic
- clear-eyed
- clear-sighted
- realistic
- pragmatic
Examples
- She approached every challenge with an unwavering and idealistic perspective.
- The candidate's speeches were filled with passionate and idealistic promises for a better future.
Related Words
- optimism
- hopefulness
- enthusiasm
- confidence
- positivity
- dreamer
- visionary
1.2. Noble principles and social aspirations
Describes beliefs, attitudes, or actions motivated by high moral standards, ambitious social goals, or a desire to improve society.
Synonyms
- crusading
- zealous
- visionary
- tender-minded
- romantic
- sentimental
Antonyms
- hard-nosed
- hardheaded
- tough-minded
- unsentimental
- practical
Examples
- The organization was founded on a bold and idealistic vision of social equality.
- Despite the harsh realities, his commitment to his idealistic beliefs remained unshaken.
Related Words
- idealism
- humanitarianism
- altruism
- reform
- social justice
- moral principles
- activism
ADJECTIVE
2. Unrealistic or impractical in expectations
Characterized by ideas, expectations, or plans based on perfection or imagined possibilities rather than practical limitations and actual circumstances.
2.1. Impractical plans and expectations
Describes proposals or beliefs that are difficult or impossible to achieve because they overlook practical difficulties, limitations, or real-world conditions.
Synonyms
- impractical
- unrealistic
- quixotic
- quixotical
- chimerical
- utopian
- moonstruck
- moony
Antonyms
- practical
- pragmatic
- pragmatical
- realistic
- hardheaded
Examples
- The proposal was considered idealistic because it ignored the project's financial limitations.
- His idealistic plans for transforming the entire industry proved difficult to implement.
Related Words
- impracticality
- wishful thinking
- fantasy
- daydreaming
- speculation
- unfeasibility
- pie-in-the-sky
2.2. Dreamy and overly sentimental attitudes
Describes a person or perspective that is excessively romantic, trusting, or emotionally hopeful, sometimes overlooking unpleasant realities.
Synonyms
- dewy-eyed
- starry-eyed
- dreaming
- romantic
- sentimental
- starry
- Pollyannaish
Antonyms
- clear-eyed
- clear-sighted
- hard-nosed
- tough-minded
- unsentimental
Examples
- As a young artist, her paintings reflected a vibrant and idealistic worldview.
- His idealistic view of relationships made him believe that love could overcome every obstacle.
Related Words
- daydreamer
- romanticism
- sentimentality
- naivety
- innocence
- escapism
- wishful thinking
ADJECTIVE
3. Based on ideological or doctrinal principles
Relating to or strongly influenced by a particular system of ideas, beliefs, doctrines, or ideological principles rather than practical considerations.
3.1. Ideological and doctrinal beliefs
Describes positions, principles, or approaches that are firmly based on an ideology or doctrine, sometimes without sufficient flexibility toward alternative views.
Synonyms
- ideologic
- ideological
- doctrinaire
- doctrinal
Antonyms
- pragmatic
- practical
- realistic
Examples
- The political movement maintained an idealistic commitment to its founding ideological principles.