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 These kinds of supplements are thought to promote joint health by triggering the immune system to produce chemical messengers that tamp down inflammation. Maria Godoy, NPR, 20 Oct. 2025 De Konick thinks Trump’s endorsement and last-minute support of Ciattarelli could have the opposite effect. Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2025 The same people are also happy to clarify that, strictly speaking, a myriad is 10,000, and not the indeterminably large number most people think. Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025 Some recent research, however, suggests that CTE may not be as rare among professional football players as once thought. Alana Semuels, Time, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • With McCarthy, who many believe has an incredibly high NFL ceiling, the Vikings don’t know what to expect on a week-to-week basis — and there’s lots of room for growth.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Others believe a different origin story.
    Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Nelson may have guessed correctly on the president digging his heels into tariffs seven years on from his first term, but the taxes may not be around for much longer.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Joyspan is for anyone who’s aging, and guess who that is?
    Angela Haupt, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Dozens of clips with hundreds of thousands of views imagine figures like Mamdani as the gatekeeper of a future Shambhala.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This assault threatens our ability to think critically, remember our past honestly, and imagine a future that is not dictated by the state.
    Andrew Weinstein, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • To stake his claim to be considered for a F1 seat at any team, the 20-year-old would increase his odds by bagging the F2 title.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Travelers to Europe should consider a phone crossbody purse instead, like this compact but spacious one from Amazon.
    Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Softstreme High-rise Wide-leg Cropped Pant has a weighty drape that adds an elegant edge to what otherwise feels like loungewear, given how remarkably soft the Softstreme fabric is.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Many people felt San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama would take another step forward in his development this season.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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