Synonym Chooser

How does the noun concept contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concept are conception, idea, impression, notion, and thought. While all these words mean "what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan)," concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be.

a society with no concept of private property

How do conception and concept relate to one another?

Conception is often interchangeable with concept; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result.

our changing conception of what constitutes art

When is it sensible to use idea instead of concept?

The synonyms idea and concept are sometimes interchangeable, but idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed.

innovative ideas
my idea of paradise

When would impression be a good substitute for concept?

The words impression and concept are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

Where would notion be a reasonable alternative to concept?

The words notion and concept can be used in similar contexts, but notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

When could thought be used to replace concept?

The meanings of thought and concept largely overlap; however, thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

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 concept Later that year, Alex Thomas decided to reprise the family business under a different name and a new concept: touchless car washes. Lillian Metzmeier, The Courier-Journal, 20 Aug. 2025 Good education for every child is a startling new concept, one of which the United States can be proud. Sloan Wilson, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 In addition to that, Universal is bringing a new concept in kids’ parks to the Dallas area next year. Robert Niles, Oc Register, 19 Aug. 2025 Under a new deal Smith recently struck with ESPN’s corporate owner, Walt Disney Co., Smith is free to pursue projects that are not related to sports, and to identify potential concepts and content ideas, with Disney getting a first-look window of around 30 days. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for concept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concept
Noun
  • Anybody walking the convention floor will immediately be dispelled of the notion that events like GalaxyCon are only for teenaged boys and middle-aged men nostalgic for their own youth.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025
  • And that is the most important thing here: if FIFA changes its rules and takes away the notion that a ‘host nation’ would have to give its explicit approval for a match like this to take place in its country, that would completely undermine its members, and that should prompt a huge backlash.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Wellness festivals not going well Jewel had come up with an idea for a wellness festival alongside Trevor Drinkwater, CEO of Inclusion Companies.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
  • In those decades, Americans were fighting over some big ideas.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Adding condoms not only decreases your risk of conception but also adds protection against STIs.
    Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Infinity has established itself in part due to its showcasing of the entire production pipeline, from conception to final cut.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • What are your thoughts regarding that approach in general and also specifically on Oahu?
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
  • But it’s been part of Jewish thought for centuries.
    Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • First premiering in theaters in 1985, the box office hit follows the five high school stereotypes amid a grueling Saturday in detention.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The company makes a range of portable chargers that challenge the stereotype of large and chunky devices that take up a lot of space in a workbag or carry-on luggage.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Very much the face of VSL in Espanyol right now, Watt has made a good impression.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Others argue that everyone up to Perez has finally come to share many of Ancelotti’s impressions and accepted that significant investment was required, particularly in defence.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Cooper Neill/Getty Images What To Know Swift's fans have been buzzing with excitement and theories following the pop superstar's announcement earlier this week, but one theory in particular is gaining ground with her fan base.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
  • These are just theories whereas the temperature modification can actually be measured.
    Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 16 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Concept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concept. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on concept

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