Definition of ideanext
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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 Matters only get more complicated when Alex has an even crazier idea than Ethan, requiring not one but two gender-expansive makeovers for the would-be college kids. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 June 2026 Got thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments or maybe even some recs for me? Brian Truitt, USA Today, 19 June 2026 Originally, putting her name on the business wasn’t her idea, Fahnlander said, but others convinced her the name lent legitimacy. Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 19 June 2026 Designed by Quadrapol, La Ruche is a similar idea to the DQ Tower, though that is a little larger and has three floors. New Atlas, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for idea
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idea
Noun
  • The broad genre of pop also gives artists room to experiment, said O’Brien, adding that audiences these days are well aware of the concept of eras and understand artists will go through multiple ones throughout their careers.
    Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • That was kind of the concept, is just to continue to add shooting.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Through a series of measures starting in 2022, Washington has cut off China’s access to the cutting-edge GPUs, throttling Chinese companies’ efforts in competing for the top AI models with US tech giants.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • Meta announced its new set of smart glasses priced at $299, undercutting some of its earlier models as the company pushes to bring wearables to a broader audience.
    Justina Lee, CNBC, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Sheriff's officials said a detailed investigation determined three employees used the system for non-law enforcement purposes, violating both agency policy and Georgia law.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • Protect your space, then re-engage with purpose.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Denver’s brass was asked about those comments on Wednesday, and Wallace responded by sharing some thoughts on the team’s internal and external goals.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 June 2026
  • And this led me to think about sharing thoughts about the final dance.
    Nancy K. Schlossberg, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The Chicago suburb of Kenilworth and the Washington, DC, suburb of Chevy Chase, for example, have fewer than 5,000 households each.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • This is just one example of the many good Turkish Clinics that offer hair transplants at lower prices than those in some markets.
    Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Hired for four years at a salary of $440,000, Carvalho quickly adopted a strategic plan that included detailed, regular review of a school’s test scores — from both the annual state tests and periodic district assessments.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • Corlys is below deck on The Queen Who Never Was, telling a defiant Alyn about Rhaenyra’s new plan for peace, when the alarms sound.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • While Taylor Swift often gets credit for popularizing the notion of era reinventions, artists have played with their visuals to communicate and market new album cycles for decades — just look at Beyoncé, Madonna, David Bowie and The Beatles.
    Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • New research debunks the notion that the gender gap is primarily due to women’s lack of AI skills, interest or access.
    Michelle Travis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Such action would honor history, affirm human dignity and move Nassau County closer to the ideals of liberty and justice for all.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 21 June 2026
  • As the Broncos have placed a premium on drafting and acquiring players who specifically fit their ideals around leadership and IQ in the locker room, Jonah’s intangibles stood out, too.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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