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 Duchamp’s most infamous work was the Fountain in 1917, a urinal posed as art, representing concept over craftsmanship. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 Oct. 2025 What’s next for the Robot Phone For now, the Robot Phone exists only as a concept in a CGI video. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025 Click here to see all the photos of the Immerst concept. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025 Waiting until next year is a concept that Cubs fans are intimately familiar with by now. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for concept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concept
Noun
  • That's such a crazy, perverse notion — on this triumphant night, to see it from the point of view of the guy being left behind in all this.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Protesters have slammed the notions and multiple attendees wore inflatable frog and animal costumes to point to the absurdity of the claims of danger.
    Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Bank of America reiterates Nvidia and Broadcom as buy Bank of America says the stocks remain favorite ideas at the firm.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
  • It’s not presented as an idea because of how we were raised.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Those principles felt like the right direction for the conception of Aatman.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Appropriate to the popular conception of the morose genius, Poe’s initial 1849 funeral, held amidst the October gloom, was sparsely attended.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • To put a cap on preseason and training camp and to prepare for what’s ahead, here are my predictions and thoughts on how the Knicks will handle their depth chart and rotation heading into the season.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • As the players performed snow angels in the confetti on the Levi’s Stadium field, the prevailing thought was there would never be another Von or a Denver D like this.
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Zimmer said her experience of seguing into her 50s has been contrary to the stereotype that women of a certain age tend to become invisible in a world that revolves around men and youth.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Along the way, the seniors challenge stereotypes, defy expectations and discover how the timeless power of creativity can build lasting friendships.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Of his first impressions of his future wife, Plemons had nothing but praise.
    Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Mindy Clifton made an impression on Sabrina Hawkins when the two met years ago as correction officers in Volusia County, Florida.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Supporting this theory is the shoe’s unique material composition and detailing.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
  • De Stijl’s theories were a product of their time.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 15 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Concept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concept. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on concept

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