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 Stafford, 38, will enter the 2027 season without thinking about whether this will be the final season of his career or not. Trevor Woods, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Many think that the answer is clear based on the result of the months-long investigation. Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 26 June 2026 Traders on Kalshi think there's a 70% chance Anthropic officially announces a public market debut by December. Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 26 June 2026 But think about all the fine arts. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • Although there are circumstantial reasons why the surveys are being published now, Dack believes that the current wave of historical reckoning also functions as a civic and institutional backlash to the political rise of the far right.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 28 June 2026
  • Furthermore, Morris believes that the tvScientific acquisition expands Pinterest’s reach into connected TV advertising, expanding the value of the platform’s users offsite.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The convention will feature panels focused on creativity, all-ages karaoke and anime-adjacent games such as trivia and guessing contests.
    Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026
  • The Bot gets 2 for guessing in two and 1 for beating me.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • The show’s dramatic romance and journey of self-growth seems to fit in line with something Austen would’ve imagined for her characters.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 25 June 2026
  • Surprisingly, buyers' favorite colors this year go beyond plain white, with certain hues helping rooms feel larger, calmer, and easier to imagine living in.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Aid groups consider the first 48 to 72 hours after a disaster to be the most critical window for finding survivors, though access to food and water can extend that period.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026
  • Should Portugal have rested Ronaldo against Colombia, considering Portugal entered Saturday’s match already assured of advancing to the knockout stage?
    Anthony Chiang June 27, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • The relaxed silhouette has the same easygoing feel, and the floral print adds personality without feeling unwearable.
    Mia McManus, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
  • The watershed decision triggered a period of political instability and economic upheaval that is still being felt a decade later.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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