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 Sanders, once thought of as a top-five pick, fell to the fifth round of last year's NFL Draft and entered the season as the third-string quarterback behind Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026 Historically, Indigenous tourism meant mass tourism—big numbers watching a quick dance or showcase, shaped by what non-Indigenous operators thought visitors wanted. — Liam Freeman, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2026 But Gerra doesn’t necessarily think the stock’s tumble will continue. — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026 But Pharazôn doesn’t think Míriel, who abhors murder, would stoop to using assassins. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 11 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
  • Nothing is imminent, and OConnell has kept her plans close to the vest, leaving Hollywood guessing about what the new structure would look like.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Learning to read that data is what separates guessing from strategy.
    — Tonia Ryan, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Brown's career started as well as anyone could have imagined, as the former sixth-round-pick from Central Michigan went from fighting to earn a roster spot to becoming one of the most prolific wide receivers in Pittsburgh franchise history.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • That gives you the basic shape of Andromeda — not the easiest constellation to imagine as a mythological princess, but a useful chain of stars to learn.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • While Casher often credited Thomas Organ’s Brad Plunkett as the engineer of the device, the wah-wah pedal was considered Casher’s brainchild.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2026
  • That distinction matters for companies considering multi-agent systems.
    — Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • But the Rams’ star edge rusher was feeling anything but blue.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Leading the team in tackles with seven, Williams’ impact was felt in all four quarters, as his three tackles for loss puts him at 14 for the season, extending his lead across the entire NFL.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!