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Synonyms
Examples of pipe dream in a Sentence
His plan for starting his own business was just a pipe dream.
opening our own restaurant has long been a pipe dream
Recent Examples on the Web
In this dark and brooding place, justice is a pipe dream.
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Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2024
Mistrust and enmity, notably that between India and Pakistan, have made integration a pipe dream.
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Happymon Jacob, Foreign Affairs, 22 July 2024
Hydrogen power, not long ago considered a sci-fi pipe dream, is climbing closer to reality.
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Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 11 July 2024
Ingenuity's success has opened the door for future aerial missions on Mars, proving that flying on another planet is not just a pipe dream but a reality.
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Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 23 July 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pipe dream.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
from the fantasies brought about by the smoking of opium
First Known Use
1890, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near pipe dream
Cite this Entry
“Pipe dream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pipe%20dream. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
pipe dream
noun
: an unreal and fantastic idea, wish, or story
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