Definition of thinknext

think (about or over)

2 of 5

verb (2)

think (of)

3 of 5

verb (3)

think (up)

4 of 5

verb (4)

thinker

5 of 5

noun

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
Verb
Researchers think the species could be at risk due to its limited range, hunting pressure, habitat loss and small population size. Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 The idea of ice cream helping with sleep sounds counterintuitive, but UK brand Snooz is banking on a growing shift in how consumers think about nighttime treats. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
Noun
These Virginia aristocrats had been raised on the same Enlightenment thinkers—David Hume and Adam Smith, Montesquieu and Voltaire—as John Adams and Samuel Adams had. James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 While agile new companies can offer top AI thinkers massive equity upside, Hassabis’s confidence is rooted in Google’s structural advantages, including its unparalleled ecosystem of data, integrated hardware, and sheer computing power. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • Each side believes the land – and its past – belongs to them.
    Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • In addition to believing, plain and simple, that Shamea crossed the line with her Miss Diane tea, the newbies also seem frustrated by how much the feud is interfering with the group dynamic and the show’s levity.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • When a student misses twice, guesses rapidly, or reveals a misconception, StarSpark can interrupt the assignment, teach the relevant concept, provide additional practice, and then return the student to the original question.
    Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Some of the other players guessed the palette was lip liner or foundation.
    Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • Whether real or imagined, the stigma is there, making this particular crisis one that Taco Bell needs to address in full force.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • What comes next is going to be strange and, at times, controversial (imagine animal studies in this coming era).
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Called the Georgia Power 100, these players are chosen primarily on their high school production track record, though college potential is considered.
    Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • On the other side, Bedard at one point considered an even shorter deal to maximize his earning potential.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • Residents say the effects are felt long after each strike ends.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Their shunning of the Spanish coronation, however, felt uniquely unappealing, a show of disrespect to the winners of the most high-profile sporting event in the world.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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