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 Also notably missing in the Class of 2026 was Bill Belichick, the current UNC coach who was thought by many to be a sure first-ballot hall of famer due to his six Super Bowl wins as a head coach in New England. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026 Of course any right-thinking person is offended and outraged. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 6 Feb. 2026 At the high school level, the best athletes in the area often think they’re destined for offense. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Feb. 2026 Who would have thought at the time that would be Aaron Rodgers' first and (to date) only Super Bowl appearance? Jim Reineking, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • The actor believed the spot was caused by his lymphoma, but later found out the tumor was actually unrelated.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • That was believed to be just the first and second time that a parent was held criminally responsible for a mass school shooting committed by their child.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Amazon’s February deals include Apple AirTags to keep tabs on your luggage, because guessing where your bag landed is not the vibe.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The rest of the judges floundered with Rita Ora guessing Selma Blair, Ken Jeong putting his money on Christina Applegate and Robin Thicke going with Danielle Fishel.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Now imagine the same with some of those teary eyes angled down toward glowing screens, while others frame the bride with their phones.
    Nikita Khanna, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Some researchers suggested that goodbyes required cognitive abilities that many nonhuman animals might lack, such as the capacity to imagine and plan for the future.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • If the opportunity to sell Romero arises in the summer, Spurs should seriously consider cutting their losses and reinvesting the money in a more reliable defender.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • While that is the standard that would be considered in a civil case, local investigators are also looking into whether any state laws were violated.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Summertime night tours have recently been introduced, which aim to help visitors imagine how the city once felt after sunset.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The 30-second Super Bowl version manages to capture most of the ridiculousness of the lengthier, two-and-a-half-minute version directed by Spike Jonze, which feels as silly and committed as any of your favorite Stiller comedy moments.
    Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

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