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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun idea contrast with its synonyms?

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

While the synonyms concept and idea are close in meaning, 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

How are the words conception and concept related as synonyms of idea?

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 would impression be a good substitute for idea?

The meanings of impression and idea largely overlap; however, 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 idea?

The synonyms notion and idea are sometimes interchangeable, 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 idea?

The words thought and idea can be used in similar contexts, 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 idea The cultural dynamic of these ideas has changed, but the fundamental product being sold by Musk has not: one man with a singular ability to brute force his way to the future. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025 But Zambia is contradiction of traditions, of ideas, things that live next to each other. Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2025 And then there was the Drip God, which was never my idea. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 This innovative idea allows companies to analyze and optimize their processes with real-time results rather than relying on subjective interviews. Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for idea
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idea
Noun
  • Introducing the concept of alternatives, or exploring the Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA), encourages both sides to think beyond the current impasse.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Xiaomi’s Camera Mod Could Upgrade Phone Photography Photograph: Simon Hill Aside from its main announcements, Xiaomi granted us a sneak peek at a new modular concept camera phone.
    Simon Hill, WIRED, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The two most visible competitors, Samsung and Apple, do have models that sit between the vanilla and the Pro handsets, but their difference is a larger screen with the same performance as the vanilla model.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • His 2025 show, which ended with the male model wearing silicone breasts, also began with a female model wearing a similar latex top, designed to look like a male chest.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Your personal changes will offer clarity and revision and give you a purpose that makes life worth living.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Green presents many symbols of unease that exist without purpose throughout the film.
    Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Much has been made of the Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud of 2024, and Xzibit has chimed in with some thoughts on the historic battle, as well as what’s fair when embroiled in a rap beef.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Propper Daley’s invite-only A Day of Unreasonable Conversation will stay on the schedule as an annual gathering of thought leaders and entertainment industry insiders.
    Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • For example, Zhou Guanyu's crash in Silverstone in 2023 could have done a lot more damage if there wasn't a catch fence there to stop the car.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • For example, consider an art major rather than adding another qualified engineer to the Engineering Department because this person would think differently and more creatively.
    Laurie Harbour and Scott Walton, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield joined a coalition of 20 other Democratic attorneys general on Thursday to sue the Trump administration over its plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
    Meira Gebel, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
  • For more information, call (855) 437-3243 to reach a Fannie Mae housing counselor who can provide a needs assessment and create a personalized recovery plan.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The implementation was much delayed due to a whole slew of factors, from states opposing the very notion to later delays caused by the pandemic to the usual governmental slowness.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
  • In a sworn legal declaration, Flick claimed that DOGE officials arrived at SSA with preconceived notions of widespread fraud, despite no evidence to support such claims.
    Dan Cody, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Many influencers and individuals share their frequent trips online, sometimes drawing criticism for showing the unrealistic ideal of being able to afford numerous vacations per year or respond to life's challenges by leaving home.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
  • At Trinity College, our Bantams compete in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), embodying the true scholar-athlete ideal.
    Joanne Berger-Sweeney, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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