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 Martin has been thinking about Strava as a business that reaches across generations. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 13 Jan. 2026 Jeff Gluck thinks the sport will be better for it. Chris Branch, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 Most people think there’s one reason. Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026 And who on earth would think to pair the two? Meg Walters, InStyle, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • His car was seen arriving shortly before the time the murders were believed to have been committed and left shortly after, according to court documents.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Investigators believe Moore first killed his father, 67-year-old Glenn Moore; his brother, 33-year-old Quinton Moore; and his uncle, 55-year-old Willie Ed Guines, at the family's mobile home in western Clay County.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Jenny did, in fact, guess you right away.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Mamdani would not speculate on whether DCS would have handled the incidents that led to two tragic shootings by NYPD officers last week, but with clear guidelines for first response, no one will have to guess.
    Daniela Gilbert, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • More than a cat-and-mouse game between him and them, the series uses that procedural framework to imagine, in psychologically astute and electrifyingly strange ways, an entire world altered by The Beauty.
    Judy Berman, Time, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Following a major dining room and menu upgrade, a popular Connecticut Italian restaurant is now popping with meatballs Nonna likely never imagined making.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • If that sounds hyperbolic, consider that Independence offensive coordinator Marlon Barnett has compared Resar to former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, who was the 14th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Since the two pieces are such versatile staples, consider this your sign to add similar dress pants and pumps to your own wardrobe.
    Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Saldaña has reason to feel good about keeping her box office crown, too.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Update Your Bedding Swapping out your bedding for the winter is one of the easiest ways to make your bedroom feel warmer and cozier.
    Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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