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 The current legal landscape mostly limits adoption to the previsualization process, like conception and storyboarding, that doesn’t directly involve the final product. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2025 Primary care physicians know that every American has a stake in our health care system from the moment of conception until the last heartbeat and every day in between. Primary Care Physicians, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2025 Kylee Pucci is a six-time egg donor and has a unique relationship with her biological daughter Comments Egg donation provides families with the chance to experience parenthood when natural conception isn't possible. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025 So this is actually getting to the core of several conceptions of democracy. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conception
Noun
  • The concept also seems to have a lot of runway to growth, something Susquehanna’s investment helped with immediately.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Trump is challenged by the concept of a free press.
    Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Lightning struck when this idea converged with advancements in the potential for LLMs to automate customer service.
    William Jones, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • But the flood of ideas, the excitement, and the support of incredible musicians and listeners have kept me going, kept me touring, and kept me grateful for a life on the road.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In its second season, the series elevates its complexity, challenging cultural stereotypes with heart, humor, and killer music as the band experiences the pressures of success and navigates how to remain true to themselves while monetizing their art.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 1 May 2025
  • With sharp wit, bold music, and intimate character portrayals, the show breaks stereotypes and offers a rare, multifaceted depiction of Muslim women unlike most representations in Western media.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The increasing prevalence and potential for invasion of privacy (of our thoughts, no less) has prompted lawmakers in some jurisdictions to take action.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The notion of an international order based on rules, norms, and broadly shared values has deep roots.
    Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Recognizing this, Calm, the leading mental health platform, has launched Not Calm Moms, a bold new initiative reframing maternal mental health around the community, not unattainable notions of serenity.
    Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Fried, everything the Yankees could have hoped for and more so far with Gerrit Cole sidelined, wasn’t the only newbie who continued to make a strong first impression on Friday.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 3 May 2025
  • When markets like Boston and New York are in play, in-market deliveries can account for nearly half of all the impressions that are credited to the national media partners.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Carney and Sheinbaum offer an opportunity to test a different theory.
    Justin Worland, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Terrain theory applied Terrain theory's clash with reality has become painfully apparent amid Kennedy's handling—or more accurately, mishandling—of the current measles situation in the US.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conception. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conception

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