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 Employees For many decades, the designer was the star—think Yves Saint Laurent, Hedi Slimane and Tom Ford. Matteo Atti, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 In addition, just over half of respondents (53%) think state government should reallocate existing funds and revenue sources to support public transportation. Jack Lavin, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025 But, not surprisingly, what gamblers think and what 133 cardinals decide can be completely different. Jim Sergent, USA Today, 9 May 2025 Deborah is thinking of Ava but can’t bring herself to say it. Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • Scientists believe studying these extremophiles could revolutionize life sciences, bioengineering, and space exploration.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • According to sources, who wanted to remain anonymous to protect relationships, the money is most likely to be invested in improving the women’s training facilities at Cobham, which many behind the scenes believe have fallen behind those offered by WSL rivals.
    Asli Pelit, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • En route, Ellie tries to guess what the surprise might be, but comes up snake eyes.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 May 2025
  • Labeling the Menu Take a note from the hosts of yesteryear and don't leave guests guessing what's for dinner.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Xu began to imagine what this might mean for people with cancer if histotripsy activates the human immune system in a similar way.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • The easiest life to imagine was the life of the man who ran the ferry.
    Patricia Lockwood, New Yorker, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Dolton police did not respond to requests for information about the block but Trustee Belcher said the area was considered the rougher part of the village.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • It's been well over a decade since Aaliyah last scored a hit on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay tally, which is considered the most competitive radio ranking in those genres.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • The flashy sequences of violence feel apt for TV (Netflix, along with Steven Spielberg’s production outfit and the Obamas’ media company, is working on a series), but the novel’s real draw is the quieter ache of a family torn apart.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025
  • Have no doubts, Ancelotti will feel as at home in Brazil as in Italy.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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