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 But the conspiracy theorist in me thinks this design is to encourage owners of these vehicles to bring them back to the dealership for even routine service. Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026 Martha thinks of that new life, of being independent, of finding her own solutions, of leaning on her friends, not being carried by them. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026 The core creative team of Heidecker, Turkington, and Notarnicola starts thinking of jokes for the Oscar Special around Christmas each year, then use the following three months to figure out how to execute everything. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2026 For the first time in decades, the industry is rediscovering the power of systems thinking, recognizing that lasting innovation requires harmony between new intelligence and existing architecture. Milan Shetti, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • It’s believed that this phenomenon could be utilized in future catalyst design and materials development.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Spoelstra and Heat players believed the five-second violation called on Larsson’s inbound pass was quick.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Ken Jeong guessed another TV judge, Steve Harvey.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Onstage, contestants competed for prizes by trying to guess their exact retail value, a simple premise that quickly became a television sensation.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Easier, maybe, to imagine Blume rejecting the general proposition of an author biography, which seeks to root a subject’s work in their specific experiences, dislodging them from a supposedly neutral or unmarked position.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The last time was so long ago that Nash didn’t have a cell phone or even imagine being on a group chat with 12 teammates 30 years later.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Other players considering San Diego State would surely notice.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Perfect timing, considering Shakespeare takes center stage at the Academy Awards on Sunday with eight nominations.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This flowery felt iteration from fall 1999 proves that a good silhouette is a blank canvas for any creative director’s vision (just take a look at the latest renditions by Maria Grazia Chiuri, hot off the 2026 runway).
    Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Because Buckley has short hair, a chignon or updo was not an option—but combed neatly back with a side part, clearing the face, feels like a very Grace Kelly detail.
    Ana Serrano, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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