Utopian
hardNeutral toneyoo-TOH-pee-un
adjective
Definition
Modeled on or aiming for a state in which everything is perfect; idealistic
Memory hook
U-TOPIA: literally 'NO PLACE' in Greek - a perfect society that exists nowhere in reality.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The commune was founded on utopian principles of equality.”
“His utopian vision of society ignored practical obstacles.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The commune was founded on ______ principles of equality.”
Show answer
utopian
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Utopian is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "idealistic" or "visionary" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "dystopian".
Related GRE Words
quixotic
extremely idealistic and impractical; chasing unreachable ideals
idealistic
Characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection
prescient
Having knowledge of events before they take place; prophetic
prophetic
Accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future
whimsical
Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing way
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
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