What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
idealism
Example
His idealism led him to become a social activist. [idealism: noun]
Example
She is an idealistic person who believes in the power of positive change. [idealistic: adjective]
utopianism
Example
The novel depicts a utopian society where everyone lives in harmony. [utopian: adjective]
Example
His utopianism was criticized for being too idealistic and impractical. [utopianism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Idealism is more commonly used than utopianism in everyday language, especially in academic and philosophical contexts. Utopianism is more commonly associated with literature and fiction.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between idealism and utopianism?
Idealism is generally considered a more formal word than utopianism, which has a more casual and literary connotation.