Definition of ideationnext
as in creativity
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others caregivers are trained to watch for signs of depression and suicidal ideation—some patients are likely to put their fantasies to action

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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 ideation High or increasing addictive use trajectories were associated with elevated risks of suicidal behaviors or ideation compared with low addictive use, the study found. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2026 Stiles explained that the greatest benefit his team is currently seeing from the technology isn’t in product ideation but in reducing handoffs between steps, which enables more concurrent development time. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 The agency in January requested the removal of boxed warnings for suicidal behavior or ideation from those medications. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026 Studies have also shown that extreme heat can exacerbate conditions such as depression, anxiety and suicide ideation. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ideation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideation
Noun
  • Slot and his side has received plenty of criticism for their style of play this season because of its lack of intensity, aggression, speed and creativity in and out of possession.
    Colin Millar, New York Times, 16 May 2026
  • An ambitious man, always pursuing new avenues for his creativity, Powell experimented with different media (radio, film and television) at a time when not many did.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • The Pisces Moon adds imagination to strategy and helps good ideas connect.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
  • This combination from chef Gino Angelini is unlikely to have occurred in even your wildest imagination.
    Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • There's also a palpable new seam of imaginativeness among residents.
    Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Ideation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideation. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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