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 The aggressive call-buying suggests gold bulls think regime change could be afoot. Oliver Renick, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 The couple thought outside of the box and decided to have their drinks prepared by a robot barista. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 The team thinks most lingering uncertainties can be resolved by extending the observations beyond the current three-minute window. Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026 Plus, they’re thought to attract prosperity, promote healing, and reduce stress. Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • If there was any question as to whether the front office believes this Cubs team can do damage in the postseason, their trade deadline moves should quell those thoughts.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Some believed Thomas County Central was as good or better than Class 7A Buford, the consensus national champion.
    Jack Leo, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • What counts the most will be the moves of the Big Player, guesses about those moves, and guesses about those guesses.
    Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • That allows hackers to systematically guess those phrases and then drain crypto wallets.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Noone arrived to translate with her 2-year-old on her hip and couldn’t imagine being separated from her baby like the woman in the facility.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Though this spot is situated on the Upper West Side, Gluck imagined the fictional Claremont’s being located even further north in Manhattan's various Heights.
    Alex Jhamb Burns, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The September window aligns perfectly with annual carrier upgrade cycles, prompting consumers to renew contracts and consider new iPhones.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • During a californium-252 separation campaign in 2015, Delmau considered whether a different solvent extraction technique could eliminate a lengthy step in the process.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Highly adaptable professionals often feel stuck despite successful career changes, a phenomenon stemming from carrying outdated definitions of success into new roles.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • There are countless casualties in House of the Dragon but few more keenly felt than Helaena, Westeros’s sweetheart, whom Phia Saban played with a quiet and often funny dignity over the years.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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