Synonym Chooser

How does the noun concept contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concept are conception, idea, impression, notion, and thought. While all these words mean "what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan)," concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be.

a society with no concept of private property

How do conception and concept relate to one another?

Conception is often interchangeable with concept; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result.

our changing conception of what constitutes art

When is it sensible to use idea instead of concept?

The synonyms idea and concept are sometimes interchangeable, but idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed.

innovative ideas
my idea of paradise

When would impression be a good substitute for concept?

The words impression and concept are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

Where would notion be a reasonable alternative to concept?

The words notion and concept can be used in similar contexts, but notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

When could thought be used to replace concept?

The meanings of thought and concept largely overlap; however, thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of concept The sports bar kept its menu and concept intact after the change, continuing to draw crowds with 60 beers on tap and weekend brunch. Irene Adeline Milanez, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025 Some progressive thinkers and groups have extended the public option concept to other areas, including communications, financial services, and food retailing. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 The Logo concept was solid, Graden said, but the first roadblock the team faced was securing advertisers. Greta Cross, USA Today, 30 June 2025 Yet, the concept of coercive control remains relatively limited in courts. Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for concept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concept
Noun
  • The 10-round cruiserweight affair ended in Paul’s sixth consecutive victory but did little to quell the notion that the YouTuber-turned-boxer is building his in-ring reputation with a fraudulent resume built on defeating big names many years removed from their heydays.
    Mark Puleo, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The overall operations swiftly moved from the notion of targeting dangerous criminal immigrants to everyday workers and laborers — who may or may not have proper documentation — trying to make a living, and overriding local officials along the way.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Miloš had a wacky idea about Burt Reynolds for a while.
    Jordan Hoffman Updated, EW.com, 10 July 2025
  • Just as the fish rise to the surface when the water is calm, your best ideas may surface when your mind is tranquil and wandering during an evening shower.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Tom muses, in graphic detail, about his parents’ actions that led to his conception, birth and growing up to enter this particular restaurant on this particular date.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025
  • If anything, the Meta ruling confirms a worrying truth: that the law’s current conception of fair use isn’t built for AI—it’s being bent around it.
    Aron Solomon June 27, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Another concerning aspect of AI's influence on our freedom of thought is its capacity to distort memory and perception.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Please detail any thoughts and feelings at this point.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • With an emphasis on education, wellness, and cultural storytelling, the stage challenges stereotypes about African-American cuisine and reimagines its role in the global food and wine industry.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 30 June 2025
  • Often, people that indulge in this type of culture are considered anti-social or withdrawn, a stereotype that has been passed around for years.
    Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • After joining the Bulls from the San Antonio Spurs in February in the three-team trade-deadline deal that sent Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings, Jones quickly made a strong impression on the coaching staff and front office.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025
  • Yet, there’s a general mishmash impression, sort of like digging through Nana’s attic.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Under unitary executive theory, there are few exceptions to the president’s authority.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025
  • During May 15 oral arguments, none of the justices voiced support for the Trump administration’s theory that the president’s order is consistent with the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause and past Supreme Court decisions about that provision.
    Sara Chernikoff, USA Today, 28 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Concept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concept. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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