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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 Long before seat belts were thought to be a good idea and when cigarettes were considered safe, watching a horse possibly dive to its death into a small pool was acceptable entertainment. Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2025 Interacting with experienced individuals, solving non-artistic problems and engaging in varied tasks exposes you to new ideas, perspectives and life experiences that subtly inform and enrich your art. Kice Akkawi, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025 Nearly half of these offenders exhibited evidence of fixation – an intense or obsessive preoccupation with an individual, activity, or idea. Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 16 June 2025 The Vegas ideas wind up at Color on Three [Bloomingdale’s cosmetics counter]. Pete Born, Footwear News, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for idea
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idea
Noun
  • Within this exact conflict is where Antigravity Academy finds the concept of camp so important.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
  • Yet, the concept of coercive control remains relatively limited in courts.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • In the cerebral artery flow model in the lab, Heit says, the milli-spinner was 100% effective at removing clots in more than 500 attempts.
    Ani Freedman, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • Given the affordable housing crisis, Vienna’s social housing model has been given enormous media exposure and has been studied by numerous advocacy groups with mixed views.
    Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • And the brands who roll with precision, purpose and personality will define the future of the category.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • The purpose of the grants is to address the climate crisis and various environmental harms at the local level.
    Tracy J. Wholf June 26, CBS News, 26 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
  • On Medicaid, for example, some centrist House Republicans are griping about the upper chamber’s decision to cap provider taxes at 3.5 percent by 2031 — a decrease from the current 6 percent — for states that expanded the social safety net program under the Affordable Care Act.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 18 June 2025
  • The first of those, for example, is July 9, when dates for the opening six rounds of the campaign will be locked in.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • In this way, UNICEF advocates for governments to adopt a child-centric approach in their policies, plans and budgets.
    UNICEF USA, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • The temporary closure comes months after French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a 10-year plan to revitalize the cultural behemoth and ultimately save it from ruin, brought on by outdated infrastructure.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 17 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
  • This momentum continued into the 90s — a decade full of significant strides for gender equality and yet fraught with problematic notions on the treatment of women.
    Christina Hillsberg, People.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • This T-shirt is for the patriot who values the core ideals of the Declaration of Independence: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
    Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
  • Plush amenities, ranging from a custom quartz bar and home theater to a negative-edge pool and sports court, make the property ideal for year-round hosting.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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