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 Chara thought nothing of cracking Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci or Brad Marchand in the back with a cross-check during net-front sessions. Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 1 May 2026 For whatever reason, upon further inspection, there’s a feeling that maybe the 49ers didn’t reach as much as everyone thought at first glance. Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 1 May 2026 Back in Atlanta, Herrera couldn't stop thinking about all the possibilities homeownership could unlock. ABC News, 1 May 2026 Some think so following his social-media post on Thursday. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • As the nation restructures its economy away from fossil fuels, there are those who believe that valuable lessons can be learned from Desert Warrior to support filmmaking endeavors in the future.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 2 May 2026
  • Witnesses told police there were two men still inside who were believed to be armed, and officers saw one man crawl out of a window onto the roof while armed and then go back inside.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • Frey keeps hitters guessing because of his rare ability to throw five different pitches for strikes.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • However, plenty of people show no signs at all, which is why blood testing matters more than guessing.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But dismantling polluting industries, trying to clean up our air and our water, and imagining a health care system not driven by profit would take coordinated, radical restructuring.
    Hannah Kerman, STAT, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Just imagine Bill Belichick and Rob Gronkowski smashing vodka Red Bulls and partying it up.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • On the glass, the Lakers won the battle for the second consecutive game, 54-45 – a notable end to the series considering Redick harped on how the Lakers would have to fight against the Rockets – the top rebounding team in the NBA – in the series.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
  • According to the American Academy of Audiology, 50 decibels is considered a moderate level of noise likened to a running dishwasher, rainfall or a conversation.
    Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • By the time the Magic staggered into Detroit for Game 7 on Sunday afternoon, the outcome felt less like a question and more like an inevitability.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
  • The Moon in Sagittarius moves through your 9th House of Perspective, pulling you toward bigger plans and bold ideas that feel exciting.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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