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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 To test a new idea, Lovell’s team built a model where eccentricity varies with distance from Fomalhaut. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025 Although he’s been linked to other teams already, one idea worth throwing out there is Kevin Love. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025 While Japan’s opposition remains fractured, the far-right, anti-immigration Sanseito party made big gains in July’s upper house election, bringing once-fringe ideas into the political mainstream. CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025 These were once radical ideas, too. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for idea
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idea
Noun
  • Schiffer said Meghan had been too risk averse in the first two seasons, but could try to pitch a slightly different concept for a third season that pushed the boundaries far more.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The company tipped a concept washer and dryer with a robot vacuum built into the base, similar to Eureka's Dual Washing Bot announced at CES last year.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Dreamliner is 25% more fuel-efficient than older models due to lighter construction and advanced engines.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Hence, clubs are turning to the player-trading model long pioneered, and more recently supercharged, by Chelsea.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • It hasn’t been approved by the FDA for that purpose and hasn’t been shown to be effective.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
  • This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In that initial video call, McCarthy shared his thoughts on Acosta’s previous offenses.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Follow Scheffler for destination stories, travel trends and thought-provoking conversations from the world of travel.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The ad includes clips from news broadcasts covering, for example, Trump’s framework for a trade deal with the European Union.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The low, powerful finish from the edge of the box to beat Italy in the Under-21 Euros this summer was another example of his high ceiling in the final third.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The city also agreed to help remove legal blocks to the razing of the Odd Fellows Building, including possible landmark designation, once the hotel company figured out plans for the space.
    Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In 2021, Xi had announced plans for 10 Luban workshops in SCO countries over the next three years.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But while some reject the notion of vodka with flavor, preferring a clean and neutral spirit, Mendel won Vodka of the Year at the New Orleans Spirits Competition announced at Tales of the Cocktail in 2022, proof that spirits experts appreciate the unique flavor.
    Don Tse, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • And while the notion of privatizing a public liberal arts college may seem radical, it can also be understood as an escalation of a larger pattern.
    Alice Herman, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • According to Szetela, this era of expression has seen authors and publishers — many committed to progressive ideals — choosing to self-censor to appease a moral panic roiling the political left.
    Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Fort George Hotel & Spa is a historic gem located in the heart of Belize City, perfect for culturally minded travelers, with proximity to the airport and deluxe treatments at K’in Spa, ideal for post-flight relaxation or Carnival recovery.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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