idea

noun

Save Word

\ ī-ˈdē-ə

, -ˈdēə also ˈī-(ˌ)dē-ə or ˈī-dē \

Definition of idea

1 : a formulated thought or opinion

2 : whatever is known or supposed about something a child's idea of time

3 : the central meaning or chief end of a particular action or situation

4a : a plan for action : design

b : a standard of perfection : ideal

c : a transcendent entity that is a real pattern of which existing things are imperfect representations

5a : an entity (such as a thought, concept, sensation, or image) actually or potentially present to consciousness

b : an indefinite or unformed conception

c obsolete : an image recalled by memory

6 Christian Science : an image in Mind

7 archaic : a visible representation of a conception : a replica of a pattern

Other Words from idea Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About idea

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for idea

idea, concept, conception, thought, notion, impression mean what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan). 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 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 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 thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining. commit your thoughts to paper notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental. you have the oddest notions impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses. the first impression is of soaring height

Examples of idea in a Sentence

My idea is to study law. Starting her own business seemed like a good idea at the time, but it turned out badly. Whose idea was it to leave so early? My idea was that if we left early we could beat the crowd. Buying the car was a bad idea. I have some ideas for redecorating the room. He has an idea for a movie. I'm not sure what to do next. Do you have any ideas? She's always full of new ideas. It's a good idea to talk to people who have actually been there.

Recent Examples on the Web The idea is that by letting players take on the role of a researcher in a real scientific study, the game helps people to better understand conservation science. — Sasha Fairhead, CNN, 26 July 2021 Durkan said the idea is to provide 911 dispatchers with a new option for certain calls, such as wellness checks, that are associated with neither criminal nor medical emergencies. — From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 26 July 2021 The idea was to establish statewide standards in policing, including those addressing the use of deadly force and employee recruitment and hiring. — Bob Sandrick, cleveland, 26 July 2021 The idea behind the Union Pacific and BNSF actions is that a temporary pause will clear their backlogs, just in time for the annual shipping season peak. — Washington Post, 26 July 2021 The idea was good enough that immediately rival Channel 4 formed its own venture arm to compete. — Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2021 The idea behind the law is that the person with substance use disorder is incapable of making the decision to go into treatment because of their addiction. — Terry Demio, The Enquirer, 26 July 2021 The idea of anyone else leaving an Olympics with gold hasn't been all that realistic in recent years. — Tim Reynolds, ajc, 25 July 2021 The name remained Tokyo 2020, not 2021; the idea was to pick up where the world had left off. — Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 24 July 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'idea.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.