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 Commenters on Styles’ Instagram post announcing the tour definitely did not think there was anything funny about the tour announcement. Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026 The Miami Herald is interested in hearing what the community thinks. Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026 The Farmer's Almanac, on the other hand, thinks there will be plenty of snow in the New England area. Katie Landeck, The Providence Journal, 23 Jan. 2026 But Vrabel thought that Jennings, who will take on a bigger role this week with starting outside linebacker Harold Landry III out, was an obvious choice. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • However, McCoy and team believe there is no need to get ahead and opt in to taking the season one day at a time.
    Justin Vigil Zuniga, Daily News, 25 Jan. 2026
  • The names listed are of those who reported a burglary and the dates are when the crime is believed to have taken place.
    The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • And even when that game was over, guess what?
    Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Instead of guessing, businesses could plan staffing, inventory, hours, promotions, and partnerships with confidence.
    Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • More than a cat-and-mouse game between him and them, the series uses that procedural framework to imagine, in psychologically astute and electrifyingly strange ways, an entire world altered by The Beauty.
    Judy Berman, Time, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Following a major dining room and menu upgrade, a popular Connecticut Italian restaurant is now popping with meatballs Nonna likely never imagined making.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Ripley is also reportedly being considered for a Women’s World Championship against Stephanie Vaquer, but that match could be complicated by Vaquer’s current injury status.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Without going into auto-pilot mode to schedule a meeting, consider evaluating it first.
    Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Saldaña has reason to feel good about keeping her box office crown, too.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Update Your Bedding Swapping out your bedding for the winter is one of the easiest ways to make your bedroom feel warmer and cozier.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

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