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 Early on in the conception phase, the guys chose a body shop setting for the most pragmatic reason possible: because Steve’s dad owns one. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025 At its conception, his economic agenda was a high wire act with not net – one that mainstream economists from both parties largely found completely implausible. Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 22 May 2025 Besides the fact that there are fewer sports columnists at newspapers and ATH cut back on the ones that are available, the show from its conception was about money and fame in exchange for takes, not reporting. Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 21 May 2025 Introducing the film ahead of the screening, Serkis reflected on the project’s turbulent journey from conception to completion. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for conception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conception
Noun
  • Within this exact conflict is where Antigravity Academy finds the concept of camp so important.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
  • 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
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
  • Roberts also dismissed the plaintiffs’ concerns that Tennessee is forcing children to live within gender stereotypes.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 19 June 2025
  • Currently, toxic masculinity and the patriarchy are on the rise in our sociopolitical environment, and our culture is promoting oppressive gender roles and racial stereotypes and seeking to control the expression of sexuality.
    Colleen Bidwill, Mercury News, 16 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
  • This Money Mistake Keeps You Stuck One of the most popular misconceptions being debunked right now is the notion that working harder or for longer hours equates to making more money.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • At the heart of the team’s strategy is a notion called integer partitions.
    Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • His powerful late kick and ability to handle the 1 1/4-mile distance in that race left a lasting impression.
    Jared Welch, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • The 77-year-old takes us through the songs, albums, and genres that left the biggest impression.
    Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Years earlier, Leonardo had performed his own study of proportions, based on the theories of the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius.
    Steven Strogatz, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • By cultivating a multitude of such microbial habitats, the researchers can compare them and develop theories of how ecological communities work.
    Gabriel Popkin, Quanta Magazine, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conception. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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