Synonym Chooser

How does the noun conception contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of conception are concept, 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)," 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 can concept be used instead of conception?

Although the words concept and conception have much in common, 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

When might idea be a better fit than conception?

The meanings of idea and conception largely overlap; however, 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 is impression a more appropriate choice than conception?

While the synonyms impression and conception are close in meaning, 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 conception?

The words notion and conception 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 is it sensible to use thought instead of conception?

The synonyms thought and conception are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 conception But there have been some career stumbles recently, a superhero disappointment in particular, that must have complicated Johnson’s conception of his remarkable career. Richard Lawson, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025 And every step in the life of daughter Luca (Maja Bons), from conception to current 16-year-old status, has been duly shared with the world. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025 Their bond is extraordinary—almost like being able to touch, feed, and nurture your own embryo just 30 days after conception. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 That was the moment of conception, of ensoulment. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conception
Noun
  • Duran had published articles on Tan and his wealthy colleagues, like Balaji Srinivasan, a tech investor who was promoting an esoteric but stubbornly influential concept called the Network State.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The mill’s Flexy Form concept showcases high-stretch denim with soft-touch yarns, excellent recovery, and body-shaping flexibility—designed to adapt to all body types and lifestyles.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Based on an idea by Bernabei, the series is written by Elena Bucaccio, Matthew Parkhill and Francesco Arlanch.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Construction robots are no longer a far-off idea.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 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
  • Willner of the University of Oklahoma’s College of Education, asked fifth, sixth, and eighth graders across the United States to share their thoughts on the series.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Below are thoughts from some of our experts who cast their votes.
    The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
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
  • The study agreed that the culprit that made the mark was likely dropped into the wet cement, leaving the near perfect body impression.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, witnessing civil rights events such as the March on Washington, left an impression on her.
    Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 14 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

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Cite this Entry

“Conception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conception. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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