1
2
3

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 This fictional speech offers concrete policy ideas for reducing the deficit, generating new revenue and increasing government efficiency. Arkansas Online, 28 June 2025 Either way, there is much buzz about his big-picture ideas. Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025 This chicken dinner idea checks several of the essential boxes for cowboy cooking: a cast iron skillet, plenty of Southwestern flavor, and a cheesy topping. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025 Allen ties this idea to the biblical concept of the resurrection, suggesting that the soul’s ultimate goal is to achieve a higher state of being. Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for idea
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idea
Noun
  • Some of them, in seats that are too blue to become GOP targets, are comfortable defending the concept that people who raise families and pay taxes in a city deserve some say in who runs their local government.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • The show gained momentum at the Asian Television Forum in December 2022, where executive producer Michelle Chang pitched the concept to The One Enterprise.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 July 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
  • The Next Yacht Group brand unveiled a 110-foot superyacht on Thursday, taking the total model count to eight.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 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
  • Another concerning aspect of AI's influence on our freedom of thought is its capacity to distort memory and perception.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Please detail any thoughts and feelings at this point.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • For example, linguists from the Max Planck Institute in Germany recently found that academic YouTubers began using words favored by AI chatbots up to 51% more frequently after the release of ChatGPT.
    Sam Klebanov, Fortune, 30 June 2025
  • For example, natural oils that would otherwise be filtered out in a drip coffee maker remain fully intact, making the coffee aromatic and robust.
    Tyler Shane, Wired News, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Streetscape improvements are part of an $8.5 million plan by the state to redesign the Main Street and Albany Avenue intersection.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • The 10-round cruiserweight affair ended in Paul’s sixth consecutive victory but did little to quell the notion that the YouTuber-turned-boxer is building his in-ring reputation with a fraudulent resume built on defeating big names many years removed from their heydays.
    Mark Puleo, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The overall operations swiftly moved from the notion of targeting dangerous criminal immigrants to everyday workers and laborers — who may or may not have proper documentation — trying to make a living, and overriding local officials along the way.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • For a joyful expression of summer style, the market tote is my platonic ideal.
    Talia Abbas, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • Latin American nations, for all their political convulsions and repressive periods, have a rich history of social movements grounded in collective ideals.
    Carolina A. Miranda, The Atlantic, 30 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on idea

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!