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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 For entrepreneurs, creators, or anyone looking for a new revenue stream, YouBooks AI makes turning ideas into income as easy as sharing a prompt. PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2025 Now that idea has morphed into the brightest member of Epson's new Lifestudio mini projector family for US release, which also includes a 4K Pop model. New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025 European countries also disagree on whether sanctions are a good idea. Laura Kelly, The Hill, 20 Sep. 2025 John Cooper described how much Redford enjoyed working over ideas with young filmmakers at the Sundance Institute each summer. Scott Simon, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for idea
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idea
Noun
  • But in the summer of 2023, when Fedorov first suggested his system of gamification, top military brass rejected the concept.
    Simon Shuster, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
  • An open-concept kitchen and main living area have light wood floors, bright white walls contrasting with a dark tile backsplash that carries over into a wet bar with a wine cooler.
    Molly Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And what better way to do that than to get dolled up and be surrounded by models?
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Intel is behind in both cutting-edge AI chips and more prosaic models used in mobile phones, which cost it Apple’s Mac business back in 2020.
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Combs was convicted of two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution.
    Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The label is used in terms of law enforcement for investigative purposes and probing terrorist threats.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Fans immediately took to social media to share their thoughts on the fiery interaction between Kelce and Reid.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Any thought of him being an impact middle-of-the-order bat looks, at best, misguided.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For example, only when patients becomes weak and in danger of losing the ability to live independently are they declared eligible for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
    Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The clearest example of this is Live Nation, the largest concert promoter on the planet, which is betting biggest on Latin America.
    Alex Ashley, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • If all goes according to plan today, the Falcon 9's upper stage will deploy IMAP into an interplanetary transfer orbit about 84 minutes after launch.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2025
  • For House Republicans in swing districts, this could be a risky game — particularly those who have encouraged GOP leadership to move forward with a plan to address the expiring subsidies that won’t lead to skyrocketing healthcare costs for their constituents.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In addition, data showed those who switched to self-employment had previously earned more than peers who were paid employees, contrasting with notions that they were pushed into starting their own business.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The notion that vaccines cause autism was born out of a fraudulent 1998 study, hypothesizing that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine caused intestinal inflammation, which, in turn, led to the development of autism.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The women, who spoke to NPR in May 2024, were from the Sandeshkhali district of the Sundarbans, the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest, an area ideal for shrimp farming.
    Diaa Hadid, NPR, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Your gut instincts are way sharper than your ideals, so don’t sugarcoat your feelings.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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