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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 House and Senate lawmakers keep circulating big ideas that would go well beyond a narrow fix — and cost taxpayers many billions in doing so. David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025 One idea on the table — work requirements — would require adults on Medicaid to be working or in some kind of job training. Elisabeth Rosenthal, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025 Jon’s idea of himself (menschy, bewildered, kind) therefore overwhelms Annie’s picture of him as a sinkhole in her life. Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 May 2025 Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter from April 27, had his own idea, and commented on the naming change. David Phelan, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for idea
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idea
Noun
  • But without the grounding ballast of a well-articulated sense of self, these jokes are free-floating concepts in search of the context that actually makes sitcom quips memorable.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 28 May 2025
  • Freedom Denim addressed the demand for soft fabrics with several new concepts including a robust line of chenille denim.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Toyota's midsize sedan is a best-selling model in its segment that competes with popular rivals like the Honda Accord.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Together, their strengths offer a model for a pope who can shepherd with both mind and heart — faithful to doctrine and fearless in love.
    Case Thorp, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or cryptocurrency advice.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Inside were human skeletal remains which officials believe were deposited for ritual purposes before the site was abandoned, according to the release.
    Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • However, the 2025 study found that people with higher emotional intelligence struggled significantly less with these thoughts than others.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • Want to stay up to date on IndieWire’s film reviews and critical thoughts?
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Preserving old-growth forest for a single owl species (to give a classic example) means the forest—and everything living there—suddenly loses protection if that owl goes extinct anyway (as the northern spotted owl very well could).
    Emma Marris, The Atlantic, 25 May 2025
  • For example, yields on two-year German Bunds jumped by twenty basis points before subsiding.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • But Andrea Jenkins, who represents the area and supports the city's plan, said residents around the square want vehicle traffic.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Merz wasted no time in trumpeting a plan to dramatically boost Germany’s role in Europe’s defense.
    Ian Bremmer, Time, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • This perhaps more than anything else puts the lie to the notion that the administration wants people to follow the law.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025
  • But if done right, the notion of the Chicago Bears of Arlington Heights isn’t worth a rise in our collective blood pressure.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • The whole of Wish World is built on Conrad's toxic ideals, made real by Desidirium's powers and subsequently amplified by the Ranis' ingenious/devious use of Voystet-bladen technology.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 24 May 2025
  • All those aspects make Zoom Phone ideal for customer support representatives who don't need advanced contact center features, knowledge workers who frequently make calls, and sales teams.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

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