Synonyms of ideation

ideation

noun

ˌī-dē-ˈā-shən 

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

• creativity
• imagination
• imaginativeness
• fertility
• inventiveness
• fantasy
• originality
• invention
• contrivance
• brainstorming
• fancy
• resourcefulness
• ingenuity
• inspiration
• fecundity
• brainstorm
• hallucination
• dream
• delusion
• versatility
• daydream
• visualization
• illusion
• pipe dream
• mirage
• phantasm
• figment
• chimera
• envisaging
• mind's eye

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• literalness
• literality

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ideation

Manufacturers then work on product ideation, which could take four to five months for a year-long project. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 July 2026

In Second Nature, scientists theorize that Darwin couldn’t help but impose his own heterosexual ideations on animal reproduction, mainly that animals only copulate for the purposes of reproduction, with males being the aggressors and females fluttering their eyelids behind lace fans, or something. — Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026

Proper was taken to a hospital, the complaint said, where law enforcement submitted an application for an emergency admission based on his homicidal ideations. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026

The affidavit states that Proper was transported to a local hospital for emergency admission based on what investigators described as homicidal ideation. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026