thought 1 of 2

thought

2 of 2

verb

past tense of think

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun thought contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of thought are conception, concept, idea, impression, and notion. 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)," thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

When might concept be a better fit than thought?

The words concept and thought are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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, in the sense of thought?

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 thought?

Although the words idea and thought have much in common, 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 thought?

The synonyms impression and thought are sometimes interchangeable, but impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

In what contexts can notion take the place of thought?

While in some cases nearly identical to thought, notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

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 thought
Noun
There are the durian haters — people who experience waves of revulsion at the mere thought of consuming one. Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025 More than two decades after researchers first demonstrated that a person could move a computer cursor with their thoughts, several firms are poised to take the brain-computer interface (BCI) from experimental curiosity to commercial product. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 30 June 2025
Verb
Some of the rules, like only having one serve, should also give tennis pause for thought about whether there are elements of UTS that would work well on the main tour. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024 The system as envisioned in the First Amendment, that the government cannot interfere with the freedom of the press, is working precisely as the Founders thought. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for thought
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thought
Noun
  • 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
  • This idea reflects Glass’s approach to whisky making.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Based on public feedback and the survey that closed June 17, Baird-Spencer said, the top three alternatives are expected to be presented to the City Council for consideration.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2025
  • Performance impacts are a consideration too, including physiological and mental impacts for athletes competing in extreme heat or experiencing long breaks during play.
    Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • He is believed to be the only dual-sport athlete in the NCAA this season to play football and men’s basketball.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Israel says as many as half of them are believed to be dead.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Some of them, in seats that are too blue to become GOP targets, are comfortable defending the concept that people who raise families and pay taxes in a city deserve some say in who runs their local government.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • The show gained momentum at the Asian Television Forum in December 2022, where executive producer Michelle Chang pitched the concept to The One Enterprise.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Multiple notes were sent back from the jury throughout the roughly 10 hours of deliberations so far.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • The panel of eight men and four women continued deliberating the charges against Combs after not reaching a verdict on the first day of deliberations.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Robin Thicke guessed Lori Loughlin.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Although these participants guessed that about half of their leaders were climate-change deniers, only about 10 percent truly fell into that category, per the study.
    Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 7 Apr. 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
  • 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

Cite this Entry

“Thought.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thought. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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