Synonym Chooser

How does the noun concept contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concept are conception, idea, impression, notion, and thought. 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)," 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?

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 concept?

The synonyms idea and concept are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 concept?

The words impression and concept are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

Where would notion be a reasonable alternative to concept?

The words notion and concept can be used in similar contexts, but notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

When could thought be used to replace concept?

The meanings of thought and concept largely overlap; however, thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

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 concept The concept still works: Body-swap stories have been told for generations, and for good reason. Katie Grant, Parents, 7 Aug. 2025 Little Ghost, the new fast casual concept in Ferndale from the owners of greater downtown eateries, is officially open. Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025 And there is also ghosting as a concept in the film. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2025 One of the biggest challenges Pavone faced after launching was educating the consumer around this new concept. Yola Robert, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for concept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concept
Noun
  • Anybody walking the convention floor will immediately be dispelled of the notion that events like GalaxyCon are only for teenaged boys and middle-aged men nostalgic for their own youth.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Newhouse refuted the notion that people were going to lose access to health care.
    Saige Miller, NPR, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In those decades, Americans were fighting over some big ideas.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Most creators ignore this treasure trove of content ideas.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • How little there is in us of justice and humility, how poor is our conception of patriotism….
    Philip Metres July 30, Literary Hub, 30 July 2025
  • This conception of the sea as sterile is, of course, paradoxical, since the oceans supply about 2% of overall human calorie intake and 15% of protein intake – and could likely supply much more.
    Marie-Claire Beaulieu, The Conversation, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the victims’ families and colleagues.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Ed Jamison, the CEO of Operation Kindness, shared his thoughts on Rado’s press and the animal welfare and adoption crisis.
    Clea Haran, Parents, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The result is a richly observational patchwork that pokes fun at several stereotypes, from the man-bun-wearing tech mogul to tourist-scamming wizards.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The lawsuit argues that Honeywell’s actions were based on racial and ethnic stereotypes, wrongly treating Li as a Chinese citizen rather than as an American citizen.
    Chase Jordan August 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Those early weeks create lasting impressions that professors and classmates will carry throughout your time on campus.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Timmer, who has become a vocal critic of the Republican Party under Trump, said the episode left a lasting negative impression of Hall on him.
    Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These are just theories whereas the temperature modification can actually be measured.
    Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Cooper Neill/Getty Images What To Know Swift's fans have been buzzing with excitement and theories following the pop superstar's announcement earlier this week, but one theory in particular is gaining ground with her fan base.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Concept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concept. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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