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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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
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His family's creativity was the foundation for Dupart's life's work.—
Edie Kasten,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2026
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This bilingual, family-friendly performance blends original music, storytelling and imagination to build confidence, creativity and connection.—
Melissa Grzybowski,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Developing her personal relationship with Jesus took real imagination and practice.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
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Upon entering any art gallery or museum, visitors are consenting to having their imaginations stimulated with new concepts, designs and suggestions.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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 4 Mar. 2026.
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