as in theory
an attitude, belief, or impression formed in advance of actual experience of something
tried to go into the training sessions without any preconceptions
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Recent Examples of preconception
The real risk for leaders is a future workforce of people who cannot or will not challenge their own preconceptions; who cannot embrace new ideas or work well with those whose views differ from their own.
—
Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026
Gorgeously shot, a tender portrait of community in northern Maine, finding metaphor in natural imagery while challenging preconceptions about gender and class.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
At music director Fabio Luisi’s behest, the first piece on each program will be unidentified, encouraging audiences to listen without any preconceptions.
—Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
More than just a mere tale of medieval heroism, this is a surreal, gorgeous piece of work that challenges preconceptions of fantasy dramas and feels vitally fresh.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preconception
Francesca Cassidy, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026
Gorgeously shot, a tender portrait of community in northern Maine, finding metaphor in natural imagery while challenging preconceptions about gender and class.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
At music director Fabio Luisi’s behest, the first piece on each program will be unidentified, encouraging audiences to listen without any preconceptions.
—Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
More than just a mere tale of medieval heroism, this is a surreal, gorgeous piece of work that challenges preconceptions of fantasy dramas and feels vitally fresh.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preconception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preconception
Noun
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Even a middle school student would perceive a stark difference between someone who voices a bogus theory and someone who acts on it.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
-
In theory, that should be a straightforward fix.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Noun
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The first is the buy-back clause Real Madrid insisted upon when Paz was sold to Como; the assumption is that it will eventually be activated.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
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Pla2na/Getty Images Many Americans spend decades building a retirement plan around the simple assumption that their monthly Social Security benefits will provide a reliable source of income no matter what happens with their finances or the economy.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preconception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preconception. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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