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 Companies can also harness the creativity of their organizations using forums like innovation challenges and ideation events to surface bold ideas. — Harvard Business Review, 11 Aug. 2026 Even as audiences still vigorously debate the film’s ending, Cretton, during an interview with Deadline, teased that the conversation regarding Spider-Man’s future might spin new webs of ideation. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026 To cope, Nick seems to be turning to alcohol, while Charlie continues to struggle with self-harm ideation and an eating disorder. — David MacK, CNN Money, 17 July 2026 In fact, research shows that talking openly about suicide is an important plank of prevention that can actually decrease suicidal thoughts and ideation. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ideation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideation
Noun
  • What is this false engine that’s also making a lot of creativity happen?
    — Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Every single day, each person chooses how much of their energy, creativity, and discretionary effort to bring to work.
    — Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Love doesn’t necessarily make a good photograph, but the photographer’s interest, and the intelligence and imagination behind it, can contribute to the making of a picture that interests us.
    — Hilton Als, New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2026
  • His novels are absolute master classes in how much to reveal, how much to leave to the reader’s terrified imagination.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 27 Oct. 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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“Ideation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideation. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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