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
James’ longevity and productivity at the twilight of his career is so unmatched that even the idea that the James era could end soon barely even registers for some competitors.
—
Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Muller said Implats, which relies on Zimbabwe for more than one third of its annual output, accepts the idea of the retention rule but noted that problems arise when the central bank cannot deliver the converted local currency on demand to pay wages, suppliers and other domestic expenses.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
As curator, my goal is to create exhibitions for our artists that provide them with the freedom to experiment and get excited about new ideas, and expand the idea of what art is and can be for our patrons.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026
Later, when asked about the idea that the Dominican roster resembles the kind of lineup people build in a video game, Ausmus leaned into it.
—Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the idea
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Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Muller said Implats, which relies on Zimbabwe for more than one third of its annual output, accepts the idea of the retention rule but noted that problems arise when the central bank cannot deliver the converted local currency on demand to pay wages, suppliers and other domestic expenses.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
As curator, my goal is to create exhibitions for our artists that provide them with the freedom to experiment and get excited about new ideas, and expand the idea of what art is and can be for our patrons.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026
Later, when asked about the idea that the Dominican roster resembles the kind of lineup people build in a video game, Ausmus leaned into it.
—Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the idea
Cite this Entry
“The idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20idea. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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