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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 primary goal is to trace how these medical ideas were communicated through language and how that language still influences public and clinical understandings of the body today. JSTOR Daily, 11 Oct. 2025 The core idea is actually quite compelling. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025 The Brazilian supermodel and philanthropist is joining the council of the Earthshot Prize, the global awards program that celebrates bold ideas tackling the planet’s biggest challenges. Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 His idea centers on Russia’s long-standing labor shortages, which have worsened since the war broke out and many working-age men have either been mobilized or fled overseas. Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for idea
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idea
Noun
  • This prefabricated container home features two bedrooms, a bathroom, and an open-concept kitchen and living space.
    Jessica Comstock, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Instead of nurturing bold concepts through this early stage, investors are now implicitly asking that entrepreneurs crawl through it alone.
    Roman Axelrod, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The models are improving at a galloping pace.
    Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Traditional models rely on cesium atoms ticking more than 10 billion times per second.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described.
    David McMillin, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Each piece was weathered and color-coded to signal hierarchy and purpose, grounding the film’s grand concept of a migrating Earth into reality.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Willner of the University of Oklahoma’s College of Education, asked fifth, sixth, and eighth graders across the United States to share their thoughts on the series.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Below are thoughts from some of our experts who cast their votes.
    The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Occasionally, McMahon has spoken positively of public schools — for example, praising some for literacy gains.
    Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025
  • For example, as OpenAI’s models improved, the percentage of their task outputs that were as good as or better than humans’ outputs more than tripled.
    Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Defending Education’s Nicole Neily, who was also at McMahon’s confirmation, stood next to McMahon when the secretary announced an investigation into the Maine Department of Education for keeping records from parents about student gender identity plans.
    Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Diné scholar Melanie Yazzie challenges notions about the relationship between decolonization and development.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 11 Oct. 2025
  • So [in the film], there’s this sort of notion that, if a movie star kind of represents us in all our failings and humanity, what does that mean exactly?
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Tabarca, Spain — Spain’s Mediterranean islands have come to represent an ideal of lifestyle and leisure.
    Miquel Ros, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Even pandas—poster child of adorableness—don’t match the plush ideal.
    Marisa McMillan, Outside, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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