Definition of thinknext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word think distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of think are conceive, envisage, envision, fancy, imagine, and realize. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," think implies the entrance of an idea into one's mind with or without deliberate consideration or reflection.

I just thought of a good joke

When is it sensible to use conceive instead of think?

Although the words conceive and think have much in common, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How do envisage and envision relate to one another, in the sense of think?

Both envisage and envision imply a conceiving or imagining that is especially clear or detailed.

envisaged a totally computerized operation
envisioned a cure for the disease

When is fancy a more appropriate choice than think?

The synonyms fancy and think are sometimes interchangeable, but fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When might imagine be a better fit than think?

The words imagine and think can be used in similar contexts, but imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When can realize be used instead of think?

In some situations, the words realize and think are roughly equivalent. However, realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

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 think Nothing so far at the more-or-less midpoint of spring has made anyone think any different. Kevin Sherrington mar. 6, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026 And even though Betts never thought his story would include this, his own father's voice speaks clearly in his mind. Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026 Steube thinks his bill could get bipartisan support. ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026 Just think, it’s all come because of the Thunder and the Mavs. Fred Katz, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • Dozens of others are believed missing.
    LEFTERIS PITARAKIS, Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Critics believed that greater transparency would have helped the union avoid the missteps that led to the selection of Howell, who endured multiple controversies during his 34-year executive career with Booz Allen.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Under your careful eye, progress gets measured, not guessed.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
  • For years now, there has been a lot of waiting, guessing and surely in-house prevaricating about who will be the next James Bond.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But imagine a good cheeseburger, stripped down to its essential elements in raw form.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • In defeat, White Southerners cast themselves in the role of Christ, imagining their suffering as redemptive.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Raisi was even considered by some as the natural successor to Khamenei and his worldview.
    Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Nationally, the percentage of fourth graders considered proficient in reading sits just above 30%, according to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the nation's report card.
    MAKIYA SEMINERA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • After re-signing Javonte Williams, the Cowboys feel like the running back room is ready to roll into the season.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Mar. 2026
  • And while some seasons in the past have felt safe in the Italian fashion capital, many Milan designers took risks this season, pushing a distinct vision.
    Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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