the idea

noun

: the central meaning or purpose of something : goal or intention
The whole idea of the game is to keep from getting caught.
The idea is to get people to attend.

Examples of the idea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And the idea that the Pistons, or any of his opponents, should have thanked Jordan at the time is more than ridiculous. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 22 June 2025 There's one thing the president has been really consistent about throughout his entire life in politics, and that is the idea of no more wars. ABC News, 22 June 2025 But the idea is to give Smith more consistent downtime in hopes of avoiding the kind of second-half dropoff that has characterized his recent seasons. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 22 June 2025 Still, senior White House advisers downplayed the idea that the criticism is influencing his thinking in the Situation Room, telling the Washington Examiner that domestic politics will not be a major factor in Trump’s calculus. Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for the idea

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“The idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20idea. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!