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 Lucy Blakiston used to think working in media meant living a glitzy life wearing kitten heels, getting her nails done and working from chic offices. Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 7 July 2025 In dialogue with feminist visual traditions—think Jo Spence and Ana Mendieta—Brontē’s project carves its own terrain. Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 7 July 2025 Ya’ll in ya’ll feelings, ya’ll think ya’ll know everything. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 25 June 2025 Every post should include one moment that makes someone stop scrolling and think about their situation differently, ideally in the hook. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • Alcohol was not believed to be a factor in the crash, police said.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
  • With the adoption of AI for more of the routine work of accounting, Auden believes accountants must develop their communication skills to effectively interpret the data for the business.
    Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Trying to differentiate the bad from the good, guessing who’s lying or telling the truth, and attempting to solve a true crime thriller are all mental puzzles that are endlessly frustrating yet completely entertaining.
    Paulina Jayne Isaac, Glamour, 5 July 2025
  • Still, Geragos guessed both of those numbers were far off base.
    Tracy Wright , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Even though no one ever could have imagined it at the time, the Yankees weren’t going to win Torre one more Series, weren’t even going to make it back there even after having led three games to none.
    Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025
  • Our nation has morphed far beyond the republic that the founders initially imagined.
    Joanna Allhands, AZCentral.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • The county had considered a flood warning system on the river similar to a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, but Kelly said the idea never got off the ground and the cost would have been an issue.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 July 2025
  • If your apartment balcony, backyard patio, front porch, or garden corner could use a little love, consider adding a bistro set to your outdoor space.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Travel often feels like a race to get up and do everything, but honestly?
    Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • My bedroom is upstairs and feels like a sauna even when the thermostat is set for arctic temperatures.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 1 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on think

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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