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 Thanks to my friends’ beloved babies and the perks of my job—which have included putting together a list of essential children’s books—I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of reading with children. Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 Perhaps a swimsuit on a chair, or in an inner courtyard balcony, but what are these people thinking, displaying their underwear? Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026 Still, peptides are better thought of as an assist rather than a standalone hair-growth treatment. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026 Honey, compared to white sugar, has a bit of a health halo and is thought of as a better choice than refined sugars. Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • According to an affidavit, law enforcement officials believe Tuz-Noh has ties to a drug trafficking organization.
    City News Service, Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The Lamborghini Murciélago believed to be the marque’s final V-12 with a manual is headed to auction.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Trust grows when transformation is communicated clearly instead of left for others to guess.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Their performances keep the audience guessing about both characters until Holloway finally brings the pieces together in a tremendously satisfying finale.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Companies are imagining what AI might make possible, and making moves before fully understanding how to get there.
    Maria Colacurcio, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Superstitious Romans imagined demons lurking in the darkness under the toilet seats.
    Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • After Sunday’s game, manager John Schneider indicated the club was still considering all options.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Asked about the cause of the capsize, Erhurman noted the storm, but said the weather was considered suitable for travel.
    Reuters, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Still, there’s something about going back to basics at the dawn of a new season that feels especially right.
    Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The Bengals cut the roster down to 53 players on Sunday and there weren’t many surprises in a year where continuity and depth made only a few spots truly feel open to unseating the placeholder.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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