NOTION Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'notion' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of notion are conception , concept , idea , impression , and thought . While all these words mean "what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan)," notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental. // you have the oddest notions

Q: When is 'concept' a more appropriate choice than 'notion'?

The words concept and notion can be used in similar contexts, but concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be. // a society with no concept of private property

Q: How do 'conception' and 'concept' relate to one another, in the sense of 'notion'?

Conception is often interchangeable with concept ; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result. // our changing conception of what constitutes art

Q: When might 'idea' be a better fit than 'notion'?

While in some cases nearly identical to notion , idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed. // innovative ideas // my idea of paradise

Q: Where would 'impression' be a reasonable alternative to 'notion'?

The words impression and notion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses. // the first impression is of soaring height

Q: When can 'thought' be used instead of 'notion'?

In some situations, the words thought and notion are roughly equivalent. However, thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining. // commit your thoughts to paper

notion

noun

ˈnō-shən

Definition of notion

as in novelties

notions plural small useful items the fabric store had a wide variety of thread, pins, buttons, and other notions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in whim

a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action I have a notion to go in-line skating this afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in belief

an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge has this naive notion that most people are basically honest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fact
truth

as in idea

something imagined or pictured in the mind that modernistic building does not match my notion of what a country cottage should look like

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in concept

an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation the popular notion that college athletes are airheads

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun notion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of notion are conception, concept, idea, impression, and thought. While all these words mean "what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan)," notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

When is concept a more appropriate choice than notion?

The words concept and notion can be used in similar contexts, but concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be.

a society with no concept of private property

How do conception and concept relate to one another, in the sense of notion?

Conception is often interchangeable with concept; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result.

our changing conception of what constitutes art

When might idea be a better fit than notion?

While in some cases nearly identical to notion, idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed.

innovative ideas

my idea of paradise

Where would impression be a reasonable alternative to notion?

The words impression and notion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

When can thought be used instead of notion?

In some situations, the words thought and notion are roughly equivalent. However, thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

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 notion The notion of collaboration between human artists and AI technology was on full display during a musical performance from Hylton and a live cellist, with Rodriguez generating live images using Krea along with the music in real time. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 3 Aug. 2026 But the notion that firms exist only to maximize shareholder value is an ideological anomaly, not a timeless insight. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Eno had worked there with Bowie and Iggy Pop back in the day, and so there was a notion about that being far enough away from home but still Europe. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026 The notion of a surprise clearly triggered something for this man. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for notion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for notion

Noun

Other novelties after the summer break require a subtler adjustment of the eye as players moved within the league.

— Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
The report mentions that about half of Gen Z and millennial consumers who buy CDs do not own a CD player, showing that compact discs are now affordable novelties to some.

— Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026

Definition of novelties

Noun

Google has therefore tied the ability to distribute Android apps to the whims of the US Treasury Department, which maintains and enforces economic sanctions.

— Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
The difference between security agencies in democracies and secret-police forces is that the former have to obey laws and not just follow the whims of the head of state.

— Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Definition of whim

Noun

The Aries Moon in your 6th House of Work and Wellness squares Mercury in your 9th House of Perspective, so daily tasks could collide with beliefs, travel plans, advice, or someone’s big idea.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026
The Swaggy Sie, who reflected on his larger-than-life personality, unwavering belief in his hometown, and impact, hosted the event, which blended luxury fashion, live performances, philanthropy, and storytelling.

— Christine Imarenezor, VIBE.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of belief

Noun

Out of hundreds of entries around the world, the park’s design won first-place in the World Landscape Architecture Awards public design concept category.

— Noah Daly July 31, Idaho Statesman, 31 July 2026
And the collective’s street art, films and installations have used the concept of non-native species to explore how modern human society interacts with nature and animals.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026

Definition of concept

Noun

But public opinions of Israel have since shifted, particularly among Democrats.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
What agencies’ differing opinions mean for e-moto riders In emails to the Statesman, the Nampa Police Department and Ada County Sheriff’s Office seemed to back Meridian’s take on the law.

— Rose Evans August 4, Idaho Statesman, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of opinion

Noun

It is considered to be a quintessential question asked to men to understand their perspectives on female stereotypes, comparing movie star Ginger to girl next door Mary Ann.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026
Rubin’s Annie is an independent, hyperconnected, Type A New York City teen, all big ambitions and nervous energy, though her kindness prevents her from being a stereotype.

— Judy Berman, Time, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of stereotype

Browse Nearby Words

noting

notion

notional

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Style

“Notion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notion. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of notion

noun

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