1. people who believe in high principles and work toward noble goals, often in an impractical way
2. people who believe that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual rather than material
Usage: philosophy

Examples

• The young idealists wanted to change the world through peaceful protests.
• Many idealists join nonprofit organizations to help others.
• Critics called them naive idealists who didn’t understand politics.
• The idealists in the group pushed for ambitious environmental goals.
• Some idealists believe that perfect justice is achievable.
• Philosophy students often debate whether they are idealists or materialists.