Synonym Chooser

How does the noun conception contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of conception are concept, 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)," 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 can concept be used instead of conception?

Although the words concept and conception have much in common, 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

When might idea be a better fit than conception?

The meanings of idea and conception largely overlap; however, 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 is impression a more appropriate choice than conception?

While the synonyms impression and conception are close in meaning, 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 conception?

The words notion and conception 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 is it sensible to use thought instead of conception?

The synonyms thought and conception are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 conception Early on in the conception phase, the guys chose a body shop setting for the most pragmatic reason possible: because Steve’s dad owns one. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025 At its conception, his economic agenda was a high wire act with not net – one that mainstream economists from both parties largely found completely implausible. Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 22 May 2025 Besides the fact that there are fewer sports columnists at newspapers and ATH cut back on the ones that are available, the show from its conception was about money and fame in exchange for takes, not reporting. Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Introducing the film ahead of the screening, Serkis reflected on the project’s turbulent journey from conception to completion. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for conception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conception
Noun
  • Laura Aguilar, Kwame Brathwaite, Kalli Arte Collective, Jennifer Moon, Wendy Red Star, Roger Shimomura, Cindy Sherman, Rodrigo Valenzuela and June Wayne are among the more than 50 artists redefining and expanding the concept of identity. Saturday through Aug. 30.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
  • Still, youthful rebellion in virtual reality looks great and the concept of online escapes resonates in an increasingly intense real world.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Great to wear unbuttoned as a beach cover-up or buttoned as a stylish shirt on its own, a linen button-down is always a good idea to include in your suitcase.
    Amber Love Bond, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
  • This chicken dinner idea checks several of the essential boxes for cowboy cooking: a cast iron skillet, plenty of Southwestern flavor, and a cheesy topping.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 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
  • Hernandez admits Medicaid cuts could give people here second thoughts.
    John Daley, NPR, 22 June 2025
  • Jones has also talked extensively about struggling with suicidal thoughts and depression.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 21 June 2025
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Under unitary executive theory, there are few exceptions to the president’s authority.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conception. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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