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 This ‘fiat’ — let it be done — is essential to the sisters’ conception of their identity as an order. Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 6 May 2025 Each artist is selected on originality, artistic conception, beauty and quality of the work. Roger Catlin, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025 Speaking of conception, the big thing that Tom added this week was counseling Kyle Cooke on how to give a sperm sample to check his fertility for when Amanda is ready to have children, which, judging by next week’s preview, isn’t anytime soon. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2025 Better blood sugar control before conception is associated with healthier pregnancies and babies. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conception
Noun
  • The merger will allow Dick’s Sporting Goods to use new concepts to serve customers, according to the announcement.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • And in the context of this dominant mode, AI literacy connotes knowing how to use AI to master content and concepts more effectively.
    Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • House and Senate lawmakers keep circulating big ideas that would go well beyond a narrow fix — and cost taxpayers many billions in doing so.
    David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Recently, a special idea came to the family — one that felt like a meaningful way to keep Andreini close.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Carrier didn’t fit any stereotype of a glad-handing huckster with a bad loan to sell.
    Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 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
  • 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
  • Want to stay up to date on IndieWire’s film reviews and critical thoughts?
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • This perhaps more than anything else puts the lie to the notion that the administration wants people to follow the law.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025
  • The images of cars lined up to collect food at distribution facilities are etched in our minds—images that reflect the intrinsic good of the American people and underscore the notion that nonprofits are a force multiplier.
    Kendra Davenport, Forbes.com, 22 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
  • Russian sources, however, have suggested a third theory: that Portnov might have held compromising material on current Ukrainian officials.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • The chance encounter turned out to be a first-of-its-kind sighting — and confirmation of an expert theory.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conception. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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