Quixotic
hardkwik-SOT-ik
adjective
Definition
extremely idealistic and impractical; chasing unreachable ideals
Examples
“His quixotic plan to end world hunger by next year charmed but convinced no one.”
“She abandoned a stable career for the quixotic dream of sailing solo around the globe.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Quixotic is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "idealistic" or "impractical" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "pragmatic".
Related GRE Words
utopian
Modeled on or aiming for a state in which everything is perfect; idealistic
idealistic
Characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
circumspect
Wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious
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