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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 ideation
From early ideation to final polish, AI software now allows solo creators and small teams to attempt projects that once required full crews and large budgets.
—
Paul Ratner, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026
Still, many of the agentic commerce systems on today’s market require some degree of human intervention and ideation.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025
By acquiring LedgerX, CEO Vlad Tenev’s company will gain control of the bet ideation process.
—Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 16 Dec. 2025
Constructing a float can take four to seven months, not including the time spent on initial design and ideation.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideation
Paul Ratner, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026
Still, many of the agentic commerce systems on today’s market require some degree of human intervention and ideation.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025
By acquiring LedgerX, CEO Vlad Tenev’s company will gain control of the bet ideation process.
—Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 16 Dec. 2025
Constructing a float can take four to seven months, not including the time spent on initial design and ideation.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ideation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideation
Noun
-
As always, Mexicans will rise to the occasion with efficiency, creativity and fun, to make sure all attendees feel safe and successfully enjoy every match of the 2026 World Cup.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Audience reactions from early access screenings have been similar, with moviegoers also applauding the film’s creativity and humor.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
While the original footage of Gugusse and his mechanical friend might never be found, its place in our imagination is secure.—
Munis Raza,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
-
January 20 – February 18 When kindness meets imagination, conversations blossom.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There's also a palpable new seam of imaginativeness among residents.—
Toby Skinner,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Ideation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideation. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
