1
as in thoughts
something imagined or pictured in the mind
my idea of the perfect vacation spot is an uncrowded, unspoiled beach
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in models
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation
Helen Keller remains my idea of a person with indomitable spirit
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in plans
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
the idea is to get the information without seeming to be nosy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 ideas
Calderon, Becerra and Mahan floated ideas like investing more state funds to increase child care providers’ wages for programs like Head Start, a federal early childhood care program.
—
Lia Russell
updated February 19, Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Bateman said it’s been an education for him personally, chatting with these men over dinner and exchanging ideas.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026
Ahead, read on for several outfit ideas for how style light-wash jeans this spring, plus style tips and tricks for ways to create an easy outfit using items in your closet.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 19 Feb. 2026
In this content series, creatives and executives from crowd-favorite denim brands share more about the trends, ideas and innovation shaping their newest men’s collections.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
And he should be praised for occasionally using the Senate s a brake against some of the wilder, more harmful ideas swirling around Tallahassee.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2026
Nothing is finalized and one of the people who spoke with the AP said many ideas are already on the table.
—Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Great stair railing ideas are what separate an eye-catching staircase from ordinary steps.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2026
Look for ideas that support joy while respecting your goals, like visiting secondhand stores or seeing a matinee showing rather than a full-price one.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Lia Russell
updated February 19, Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Bateman said it’s been an education for him personally, chatting with these men over dinner and exchanging ideas.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026
Ahead, read on for several outfit ideas for how style light-wash jeans this spring, plus style tips and tricks for ways to create an easy outfit using items in your closet.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 19 Feb. 2026
In this content series, creatives and executives from crowd-favorite denim brands share more about the trends, ideas and innovation shaping their newest men’s collections.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
And he should be praised for occasionally using the Senate s a brake against some of the wilder, more harmful ideas swirling around Tallahassee.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2026
Nothing is finalized and one of the people who spoke with the AP said many ideas are already on the table.
—Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Great stair railing ideas are what separate an eye-catching staircase from ordinary steps.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2026
Look for ideas that support joy while respecting your goals, like visiting secondhand stores or seeing a matinee showing rather than a full-price one.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideas
Noun
-
Those who received the medication reported less mental pain and fewer suicidal thoughts compared with participants who received a placebo, the study found.—
Kyra Dahring,
CNN Money,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Got thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments or maybe even some recs for me?—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That sparked fears that AI tools could eat into existing companies’ business models and customer bases.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Towers worry civil liberty advocates The most basic models of Anduril’s towers stand 33 feet tall and are equipped with video cameras and artificial intelligence software that can spot a person nearly two miles away and log a vehicle from even farther, according to the company’s website.—
Andrew Graham,
Sacbee.com,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The agents asked for daily medical updates, whether patients had the cognitive ability to understand paperwork that was given to them and details about discharge dates and plans.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The bill also includes confidentiality provisions that indicate information on serious reportable events relayed to DIAL by a professional licensing board, as well as any corrective action plans, are to be sealed from public view.—
Clark Kauffman,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Bomi, 23, who entered seeking his first boyfriend, found his idealized notions challenged.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Will Liz’s romantic notions help her win Michael or Wes?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Here are some examples of how less information is coming out of federal public health agencies than in past administrations.—
Mike Stobbe,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
These examples demonstrate that engaging and building community, whether within Blue Zones or beyond, are possible and fundamental to building healthier, more resilient populations.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Democrats’ Biden-era goals of raising taxes on wealthy Americans and big companies to fund upgrades to health care, education, and clean energy were somewhat stifled by their 50-50 majority.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Kate Schneider’s hat trick with two goals led a well-balanced effort as Walpole used to down Ursuline 8-4.—
Kristina Banahan,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
View gallery - 9 images One of the more out-there concepts to emerge from CMT 2026, the Wingcube is a unique style of trailerable expanding camp pod.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Others in the science social media space have noted Bohon’s skill at discussing concepts, such as Emily Zawacki, a geology TikToker known as @its_sedimentary.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Your 11th House of Friendship and Community lights up as the life-giving Sun encourages teamwork, networking, and honoring your ideals.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Religious ideals are deeply embedded in our government, and many of our policymakers make decisions based on their own personal convictions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ideas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideas. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
