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 Qigong’s slow rhythmic movements, deep breathing and gentle torso rotations are thought to support lymphatic circulation, though specific evidence for lymphatic effects remains limited. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026 Gouzer thinks the gallery change could inject Nara’s market with new interest. — Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026 Read more about how voters are thinking about the economy here. — Spencer Kimball,garrett Downs,dan Mangan,kevin Breuninger,justin Papp, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026 Here's why some scientists think so Yet to focus on the technical issues may be to miss the point. — Mark Piesing, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • At its heart is a figure shaped like a mountain which is believed to be the god Yúcahu.
    — James Rampton, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Investigators believe Suarez, 28, was likely the victim of a random attack when she was stabbed in the neck on a bike trail along the Shore Parkway Greenway promenade off the Belt Parkway near Canton Ave.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Rugs are one of those niche investment pieces that can cost a fortune but will have little to no resale value after your dog has done a number on it (guess which one) or dust and hair have built up a layer of filth on top.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Every year, Heidi Klum—the undisputed queen of Halloween—keeps spooky season fans guessing as to her next big costume reveal.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • One self attends to these demands, but this liberates a second self to imagine or to interrogate, to dream or to remember, to plan or to play.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Before her death, Monroe nevertheless continued to work, seek roles, and imagine a life different from the one others intended for her.
    — Annarita Briganti, Vanity Fair, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • For years, for a generation, this state's FOIA was considered among the nation's best.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Where individual agency is always primary, the customer is always right and authority is generally considered oppressive.
    — Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • In contrast, consciousness is the ability to feel pain, pleasure, love and have subjective experiences.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Plus, their slightly structured silhouette feels more put together than traditional sweatpants, without sacrificing comfort.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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