ideologue
/ˈaɪdiəˌlɒɡ/
NOUN
1. A person who advocates a particular ideology
A person who strongly supports, promotes, or defends a particular system of ideas, beliefs, or principles, especially in political, social, or philosophical contexts.
1.1. Advocating political or social beliefs
A person who actively promotes or defends a particular political or social ideology and its principles.
Synonyms
- ideologist
- advocate
- proponent
- champion
- crusader
- partisan
Antonyms
Examples
- The political debate became heated as each ideologue passionately defended their stance on economic policies.
- The organization attracted ideologues from various backgrounds, united by a common belief in social justice.
Related Words
- activist
- reformer
- campaigner
- promoter
- supporter
1.2. Strict adherence to a doctrine or belief system
A person who firmly adheres to a particular doctrine or established set of beliefs, often insisting that its principles should be followed without compromise.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- pragmatist
- empiricist
- dilettante
Examples
- The professor was known for being a strict ideologue, insisting on teaching the principles of a particular philosophical school.
- The ideologue refused to reconsider his position despite substantial evidence challenging the doctrine.
Related Words
- dogmatist
- sectarian
- militant
- adherent
- disciple
1.3. Devoted supporter of an ideological movement
A person who demonstrates strong loyalty and enthusiasm toward a particular movement, cause, leader, or system of beliefs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- apostate
- defector
- dissenter
Examples
- The movement attracted ideologues who remained committed to its founding principles.
- Several devoted ideologues continued supporting the organization despite growing public criticism.
Related Words
NOUN
2. A person who promotes idealistic or visionary beliefs
A person who strongly believes in ideals, visions, or principles and seeks to promote them, sometimes without sufficient consideration of practical limitations.
2.1. Idealistic and visionary thinking
A person who advocates ambitious ideals or visions for improving society, even when those ideas may be difficult to achieve in practice.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- realist
- pragmatist
- hard-nosed
Examples
- The ideologue believed that society could be transformed through the implementation of an ideal political system.
- Critics dismissed him as a dreamer and ideologue who ignored practical obstacles to reform.
Related Words
- optimist
- reformer
- perfectionist
- daydreamer
- quixote
NOUN
3. A person who develops or advocates theoretical ideas
A thinker who formulates, interprets, or promotes theories and abstract systems of thought, particularly those concerning society, politics, or philosophy.
3.1. Theoretical and philosophical thought
A person who develops or advocates abstract theories and intellectual frameworks to explain social, political, or philosophical issues.
Synonyms
Examples
- Each ideologue sought to establish a distinct interpretation of the historical events discussed at the academic conference.
- The political ideologue developed a theoretical framework that influenced several generations of reformers.
Related Words
- philosopher
- intellectual
- scholar
- academic
- political analyst