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 Still, youthful rebellion in virtual reality looks great and the concept of online escapes resonates in an increasingly intense real world. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 June 2025 Within this exact conflict is where Antigravity Academy finds the concept of camp so important. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 20 June 2025 The book’s title is, of course, inspired by the goats that supply the milk that powers Beekman 1802’s microbiome-supporting products, and the overall concept of building a great, sustainable business. Emily Burns, Footwear News, 9 June 2025 The Philadelphia location opens in the next few weeks after a successful pop-up of the concept last summer. Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for concept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concept
Noun
  • The 10-round cruiserweight affair ended in Paul’s sixth consecutive victory but did little to quell the notion that the YouTuber-turned-boxer is building his in-ring reputation with a fraudulent resume built on defeating big names many years removed from their heydays.
    Mark Puleo, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The overall operations swiftly moved from the notion of targeting dangerous criminal immigrants to everyday workers and laborers — who may or may not have proper documentation — trying to make a living, and overriding local officials along the way.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • This chicken dinner idea checks several of the essential boxes for cowboy cooking: a cast iron skillet, plenty of Southwestern flavor, and a cheesy topping.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
  • Either way, there is much buzz about his big-picture ideas.
    Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Such links were particularly pronounced when exposure occurred during the month before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy, researchers reported in the study, published in Environmental Science & Technology.
    Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 23 June 2025
  • So Far The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time A sequel, 28 Weeks Later…, dropped in 2007; Boyle and Garland signed on executive producers, but neither were directly involved with the conception of it beyond that.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Hernandez admits Medicaid cuts could give people here second thoughts.
    John Daley, NPR, 22 June 2025
  • Jones has also talked extensively about struggling with suicidal thoughts and depression.
    Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • With an emphasis on education, wellness, and cultural storytelling, the stage challenges stereotypes about African-American cuisine and reimagines its role in the global food and wine industry.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 30 June 2025
  • Often, people that indulge in this type of culture are considered anti-social or withdrawn, a stereotype that has been passed around for years.
    Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • After joining the Bulls from the San Antonio Spurs in February in the three-team trade-deadline deal that sent Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings, Jones quickly made a strong impression on the coaching staff and front office.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025
  • Lombard made a strong impression on the Yankees this past spring as a first-time invitee to big league camp.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • During May 15 oral arguments, none of the justices voiced support for the Trump administration’s theory that the president’s order is consistent with the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause and past Supreme Court decisions about that provision.
    Sara Chernikoff, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • Under unitary executive theory, there are few exceptions to the president’s authority.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Concept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concept. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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