Idealistic and Realistic

Opposite meaning words

Idealistic adjective - Having or marked by a tendency to be guided more by ideals than by reality.

Usage example: idealistic pacifists who thought that tyranny could be toppled by rational argument and mutual understanding

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Realistic is an antonym for idealistic in perfectionist topic.

Nearby Words: ideal, ideally, idealize, idealized, idealise

Realistic adjective - Willing to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly.

Usage example: high schoolers who need to be more realistic in their career choices, as so few people end up as rock stars

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Idealistic is an antonym for realistic in practical topic.

Nearby Words: realize, real, realise, reality, really

Synopsis: What would the Cosmic Era be like if the kind, positive, and idealistic Kira was instead a Killer who sheltered a cold and realistic worldview under his kind mask?

Source: Fanfic Recs / Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
Although it is an early 90's movie, it's not particularly idealistic or preachy, so the drug dealing rodeo clowns are a more realistic portrayal of drug dealers.

Source: Film / Shakes the Clown
Curiously, Keith is the Hero and Standardized Leader and very idealistic; while Lance is the Lancer and much more realistic.

Source: Anime / Voltron

Cite this Source

Realistic and Idealistic. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/idealistic/realistic

Idealistic & Realistic. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/idealistic/realistic>.

Realistic or Idealistic. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/idealistic/realistic.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "idealistic" and "realistic" have occurred on timeline