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 In this sense, madness is a bit like the radical-feminist conception of gender itself: a malignant force whose power is intimate yet strangely impersonal. Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025 However, both adoption and conception turned out to be challenging journeys. Jordan Greene, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025 What is the big challenge about a world with little patience, and leaning into films that can take years between conception and release? Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025 This is in part due not only to changes in writing and conception, but also in performances. Christian Lewis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conception
Noun
  • Next door is O'Brien's sister concept, Big Sofie, which swirls soft serve in both classic and off-beat flavors, including dairy-free options.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 16 May 2025
  • Founded by Frank Winfield Woolworth in New York in 1879, the retail chain sold staple items from pencils to baseballs at low prices, often just a nickel or a dime, a revolutionary concept that helped Woolworth’s expand to 5,500 five-and-dime stores nationwide at its peak.
    Katya Cengel, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter from April 27, had his own idea, and commented on the naming change.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • It’s gone through many changes since, but the core idea of bringing a dozen great amateur bakers together under a big white tent to show off their skills in pastries, breads, cakes, and other baked goods remains reassuringly constant.
    Katie Rife, EW.com, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Arguing that its mishmash of American Italian is perpetuating national stereotypes, certain members of the Italian government have requested a disqualification.
    Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 13 May 2025
  • However, as cannabis becomes more widely accepted, Asian entrepreneurs are challenging stereotypes and changing the narrative surrounding the industry.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Want to stay up to date on IndieWire’s film reviews and critical thoughts?
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
  • However, the 2025 study found that people with higher emotional intelligence struggled significantly less with these thoughts than others.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • After Damir donates his sperm for Sara’s solo parenting journey, the two best friends travel from Sweden to his family’s wedding in Croatia, where the strain on their secret arrangement challenges their friendship and forces them to reassess their own notions on family.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 May 2025
  • The notion that the island prison is truly escape-proof is a key part of President Donald Trump’s proposal to reopen it more than 60 years after the Bureau of Prisons closed it for being too expensive to operate.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • This tiny percentage creates 9 billion impressions in the LinkedIn feed every week.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Although a few mega-hits such as China’s Nezha 2 and Thailand’s How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies gives the impression that all is well – the truth is that box office recovery has been slow or uneven across most territories.
    Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • My session stretched almost two hours, including a half-hour theory overview on the dunes.
    David Shortell, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2025
  • One theory suggests Mars lost its water to space as solar wind stripped it from the atmosphere — a process supported by ratios of isotopes on the Red Planet, or distinct species of chemical elements, seen today.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conception. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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