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 But in Kyiv, my Ukrainian aunt Vita immediately thought of Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement The Russian President has long made the veneration of World War II the central tenet of Russia’s national idea. Sasha Vasilyuk, Time, 8 May 2025 It's thought Arrabaca was the last person to see Rodrigues alive, the outlet stated. Becca Longmire, People.com, 8 May 2025 The workshop acknowledges that people usually think of consent and boundaries in extreme terms. William Jones, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025 Some say this is a sign of Andor continuing to tackle tough issues the rest of Star Wars doesn’t, and others think that shouldn’t be a topic touched on in Star Wars at all, ever. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • It’s revealed that Emily’s triplet, Charity, who is believed to have died during childbirth, is on a murder spree, killing Dante — as well as Emily’s ex-husband, Sean.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
  • That person is believed to have started shooting, which prompted return fire from others, Cantu said.
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • En route, Ellie tries to guess what the surprise might be, but comes up snake eyes.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 May 2025
  • Labeling the Menu Take a note from the hosts of yesteryear and don't leave guests guessing what's for dinner.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Xu began to imagine what this might mean for people with cancer if histotripsy activates the human immune system in a similar way.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • The easiest life to imagine was the life of the man who ran the ferry.
    Patricia Lockwood, New Yorker, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Dolton police did not respond to requests for information about the block but Trustee Belcher said the area was considered the rougher part of the village.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Butterfly Bush Is Invasive Butterfly bushes are officially classified as an invasive plant in at least seven states (North Carolina, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey) and are considered an emerging threat in several more states, including Ohio and Tennessee.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • And that feels enormously good coming from my brothers.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
  • The flashy sequences of violence feel apt for TV (Netflix, along with Steven Spielberg’s production outfit and the Obamas’ media company, is working on a series), but the novel’s real draw is the quieter ache of a family torn apart.
    The Atlantic, The Atlantic, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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