Synonyms for idealism
aɪˈdi əˌlɪz əmide·al·ism

WiktionaryRate these synonyms:1.0 / 1 vote

1. idealismnoun

   Synonyms:
   philosophical idealism

   Antonyms:
   materialism

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:3.0 / 2 votes

1. idealismnoun

   (philosophy) the philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality

   Synonyms:
   high-mindedness, noble-mindedness

2. idealismnoun

   impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are

   Synonyms:
   high-mindedness, noble-mindedness

3. high-mindedness, idealism, noble-mindednessnoun

   elevated ideals or conduct; the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued

   Synonyms:
   high-mindedness, noble-mindedness

Matched Categories

1. • Impracticality
   • Nobility
   • Philosophical Doctrine
   • Philosophy

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "idealism":

   idealist, ideal

How to pronounce idealism?

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How to use idealism in a sentence?

1. John Berger:

   One of the fundamental reasons why so many doctors become cynical and disillusioned is precisely because, when the abstract idealism has worn thin, they are uncertain about the value of the actual lives of the patients they are treating. This is not because they are callous or personally inhuman: it is because they live in and accept a society which is incapable of knowing what a human life is worth.

2. Iran Clinton:

   Some of President Obama's aides in the White House were swept up in the drama and idealism of the moment.

3. Bertrand Russell:

   Much that passes as idealism is disguised hatred or disguised love of power.

4. Clare Boothe Luce:

   Lying increases the creative faculties, expands the ego, lessens the friction of social contacts. It is only in lies, wholeheartedly and bravely told, that human nature attains through words and speech the forbearance, the nobility, the romance, the idealism, that -- being what it is -- it falls so short of in fact and in deed.

5. Friedrich Nietzsche:

   My formula for greatness in man is! amor fati: the fact that a man wishes nothing to be different, either in front of him or behind him, or for all eternity. Not only must the necessary be borne, and on no account concealed,—all idealism is falsehood in the face of necessity,—but it must also be loved....