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 Most people move through interactions at work on autopilot, sending messages or speaking up in meetings without really thinking about their responses until afterward, says leadership coach Aiko Bethea. Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 8 May 2026 Roy, who began serving as Oceanside’s treasurer in 2018 but lost re-election in 2024, also thinks politics should be taken out of the job as treasurer. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026 Jafa thought Prince might just come to watch about 10–15 minutes, but Prince stayed in the gallery for the film’s entire 75-minute run. Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 8 May 2026 Tease thinks York can pull it off, for one, because of the apple. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • Investigators believe Smart’s body may have been moved multiple times.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • Another casting director, Jen Rudin, believes that Baldoni will work again, but that being associated with running a contentious set could present a mark against him, at least in the short term.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • First, since no one actually knows the future, guessing, speculating, or simply making things up remains the state of the art for almost everyone involved in describing it.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • Avoid common words and phrases Simple words or predictable combinations are easy for attackers to guess.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • But then Dwyer imagined a baroque process that could allow one avalanche to set off another, and another, and another, all right on top of each other.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026
  • But imagine the anticipation that will build — similar to last season when the Bears and Packers met for the first time in Week 14.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • The hearts and minds of Braves players were on Bobby Cox on a sunny evening at Dodger Stadium before the middle game of a three-game series against the Dodgers — a game that meant very little, considering the news of the day.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 10 May 2026
  • Banking groups are floating last-minute changes to a compromise on stablecoin yield as a key Senate panel begins considering a landmark digital asset bill.
    Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • This no-reservations Vietnamese restaurant near Union Square can feel frantic, everyone wanting everything at once, but the kitchen stays focused and fearless.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Anyone heading to Spain twice in succession will have a case study in how different eclipses can feel.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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