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 Nothing so far at the more-or-less midpoint of spring has made anyone think any different. Kevin Sherrington mar. 6, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026 And even though Betts never thought his story would include this, his own father's voice speaks clearly in his mind. Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026 Steube thinks his bill could get bipartisan support. ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026 Just think, it’s all come because of the Thunder and the Mavs. Fred Katz, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • The Indigenous Māori people once believed the boulders were gourds that washed ashore from an ancient canoe wreck, but the science behind it is just as interesting as the legend.
    Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Asbille's character reportedly died of cancer, which is believed to be connected to a toxic waste dump located near a mine on the Broken Rock Reservation.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Under your careful eye, progress gets measured, not guessed.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
  • For years now, there has been a lot of waiting, guessing and surely in-house prevaricating about who will be the next James Bond.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But imagine a good cheeseburger, stripped down to its essential elements in raw form.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • In defeat, White Southerners cast themselves in the role of Christ, imagining their suffering as redemptive.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Washington Post reported Wednesday that ICE is considering a plan to close it.
    Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Before heading to checkout, be sure to consider the roomy Aria Faux Suede Shoulder Bag.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Your careful eye helps each person feel seen and respected.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Plowden made his presence felt early, exploding to the basket for a dunk before hitting a 3-pointer later in the first quarter.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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