as in theory
an attitude, belief, or impression formed in advance of actual experience of something
tried to go into the training sessions without any preconceptions
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Recent Examples of preconception
Also not fitting the West’s preconceptions was the fact that most Soviet dissidents didn’t reject socialism.
—
Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 3 Oct. 2025
And in 2008, the physicist Hossein Partovi of California State University identified a particularly dramatic implication of the way quantum entanglement can undermine preconceptions derived from classical thermodynamics.
—Quanta Magazine, 1 Oct. 2025
Rest & Relaxation follows Amandeep (Mani), who in seeking solace on the brink of a life-changing decision, retreats to a secluded bed and breakfast where the eclectic guests challenge her preconceptions of family.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
But at least some of that conflict comes from false assumptions, and some of it comes from turning their preconceptions into self-fulfilling prophecies.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preconception
Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 3 Oct. 2025
And in 2008, the physicist Hossein Partovi of California State University identified a particularly dramatic implication of the way quantum entanglement can undermine preconceptions derived from classical thermodynamics.
—Quanta Magazine, 1 Oct. 2025
Rest & Relaxation follows Amandeep (Mani), who in seeking solace on the brink of a life-changing decision, retreats to a secluded bed and breakfast where the eclectic guests challenge her preconceptions of family.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
But at least some of that conflict comes from false assumptions, and some of it comes from turning their preconceptions into self-fulfilling prophecies.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preconception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preconception
Noun
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Those are, indeed, pat, credible theories and predictions.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
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But now, in the planet’s capital city of Apperax, a murder is committed with no suspects, forensics or theories.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As the video spread, viewers flooded the comments with advice, concern and assumptions about her daily life.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
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Similar to fellow Arsenal summer signing Eberechi Eze — another keen chess player — the assumption would be that the skills taken from the board game have helped Zubimendi be a step ahead in enticing and then bypassing opposition players.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preconception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preconception. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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