Definition of UTOPIA (original) (raw)

often capitalized : a place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions

: an impractical scheme for social improvement

: an imaginary and indefinitely remote place

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There’s quite literally no place like utopia. In 1516, English humanist Sir Thomas More published a book titled Utopia, which compared social and economic conditions in Europe with those of an ideal society on an imaginary island located off the coast of the Americas. More wanted to imply that the perfect conditions on his fictional island could never really exist, so he called it “Utopia,” a name he created by combining the Greek words ou (“not, no”) and topos (“place”). The earliest generic use of utopia was for an imaginary and indefinitely remote place. The current use of utopia, referring to an ideal place or society, was inspired by More’s description of Utopia’s perfection.

Synonyms

Examples of utopia in a Sentence

The town's founders wanted to create a Christian utopia. It's a nice place to live, but it's no Utopia.

Recent Examples on the Web

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There’s a functional beauty to the nine romantic guest rooms, a close connection with nature, an outstanding equestrian program, a permaculture farm, a medicinal garden and a freeform approach to hospitality—a beautiful anarchy, an eco-luxury utopia. —Ann Abel, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Who wouldn’t want to visit a spooky utopia where all manner of freaks are made to feel welcome? —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 25 Nov. 2024 The cast’s reigning mantra is to help everyone in need, while the main character frequently consults a novel that describes a fantasy utopia where everyone is equal. —Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 8 Oct. 2024 Think of it as a utopia for the stylishly obsessed. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for utopia