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Definition of "idealist" []

  • One whose conduct is influenced by ideals that often conflict with practical considerations. (noun)
  • One who is unrealistic and impractical; a visionary. (noun)
  • An artist or writer whose work is imbued with idealism. (noun)
  • An adherent of any system of philosophical idealism. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "idealist" in a sentence
  • "In this chapter the word idealist will be used in several ways."
  • "Long-ago Democratic president Woodrow Wilson, meanwhile, known to most of us as a modestly progressive idealist, is in the right-wing canon America's first fascist ruler."
  • "In years past, this would be a familiar race between a member of the Albany machine (Mr. DiNapoli entered New York politics at the age of 18) and a young idealist from the lost tribe known as the New York Republicans."