Definition of thinknext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word think distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of think are conceive, envisage, envision, fancy, imagine, and realize. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," think implies the entrance of an idea into one's mind with or without deliberate consideration or reflection.

I just thought of a good joke

When is it sensible to use conceive instead of think?

Although the words conceive and think have much in common, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How do envisage and envision relate to one another, in the sense of think?

Both envisage and envision imply a conceiving or imagining that is especially clear or detailed.

envisaged a totally computerized operation
envisioned a cure for the disease

When is fancy a more appropriate choice than think?

The synonyms fancy and think are sometimes interchangeable, but fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When might imagine be a better fit than think?

The words imagine and think can be used in similar contexts, but imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When can realize be used instead of think?

In some situations, the words realize and think are roughly equivalent. However, realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

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 think Uranus in Gemini wants people to think for themselves, question everything and evolve on an intellectual level. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 Maybe something that people don’t think about. AFAR Media, 15 May 2026 Anyone who thought firing Alex Cora was going to fix a thing is just insane. Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026 Wild to think this was only 29 years ago. Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • Now might not seem the moment for Democrats to be quarrelling, but many of them believe that the only way to build the Party back up is to remake it.
    Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt told 6 ABC that investigators believe a group of friends, who included two boys and two girls, were hanging out at the home when the fatal shooting occurred.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • There, scientists guess that lower temperatures are causing carbon dioxide to freeze out of the atmosphere, with the CO2 falling as dry-ice snow and pulling dust down with it.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
  • Redistricting shouldn’t leave people guessing, residents deserve clarity, access, and confidence in who represents them and how to engage with county government.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Hiba imagined seeing snow for the first time and living in a cold state, such as Ohio.
    Annie Hylton, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • Now imagine moving millions of items, each of them delicate, unique, priceless and old.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Maybe more importantly, he was considered one of the most NFL-ready receivers in this class, which gives him a better chance to contribute early with a QB who expects precision and professionalism.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Bartholomew Street — in recent years considered the spine of an arts and innovation district — leads to the successful Parkville Market and Real Art Ways, the contemporary arts center now in the midst of a $24 million expansion.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • This no-reservations Vietnamese restaurant near Union Square can feel frantic, everyone wanting everything at once, but the kitchen stays focused and fearless.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Anyone heading to Spain twice in succession will have a case study in how different eclipses can feel.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on think

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster