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 And all of this and more tied to the city’s interwoven threads of diversity of geography, languages, specialized student needs, and political interests. Co-governance is a great concept to campaign on. David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 13 July 2025 Casona Roma Norte exceeds the expectations of most hotel culinary programs by offering several unique dining concepts, including Akamba, a mezcal bar featuring a range of agave distillates, and Suchi Nipona & Sinaloa Cuisine, which serves Japanese dishes with a touch of classic Sinaloan flavors. Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 13 July 2025 The resort area — and the concept — were established. Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 13 July 2025 Drilling the message into the player’s heads, centering around team concepts and philosophies, was a big part of their daily sessions. Roderick Boone updated July 11, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for concept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concept
Noun
  • In the four decades since James introduced the notion, John Henryism has found much broader cultural traction.
    Leslie Jamison, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Just as Wall Street was warming up to the hope that the U.S. economy was bulletproof amid President Donald Trump’s trade war, the recent batch of indicators has punctured that notion.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Pistoia, Italy Italy is always a great idea, especially for longer stays.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2025
  • That’s both a smart idea and a potentially troubling idea.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Experiences are incredibly expensive to develop, and take years from conception to completion (Disney CEO Bob Iger says that the parks typically take as long as two years to develop, and another five years to build).
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
  • The idea is to incubate original ideas from their conception through to commercialization and provide IP owners with advice on strategy, branding building, content development and making cash.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Gregg's spirit and passion will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
    Natasha Dye, People.com, 28 July 2025
  • Unfortunately, most hiring managers take a backward-thinking approach and charge ahead with little thought.
    Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • As usual, Stewart’s stunt backfired, inverting free-speech and racial stereotypes.
    Armond White, National Review, 25 July 2025
  • No racist stereotypes, no demeaning facial expressions, no bowed heads, and no broken bodies from the old Hollywood.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Twenty-seven years ago, Armageddon benefited from a marketing campaign that left a lasting impression.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
  • Older people often bring up how the U.S. helped Kosovo, and that left a strong impression.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The class will draw on the reinstallation of the museum’s North Wing, 15th to 16th-century history and the theory behind art collection.
    Violet Bucaro, AZCentral.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Keep reading to dive into the infamous true crime case, including what investigators believe happened, the theories surrounding the murders and the latest developments in DNA technology that could help solve them.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Concept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concept. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on concept

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