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 Austin, thinking shockingly fast, swallows the USB stick. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026 Most people do not think of eating collard greens raw. John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026 Dressel thinks the college will accelerate the change in downtown Steubenville. Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026 Now that’s worth thinking about. Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • Detectives believe Rodriguez took the man's body, drove nearly 100 miles away to Highland and dumped the man's body in the road.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The islands are home to a very conservative branch of Calvinism which believes deeply in the Sabbath.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The correct response was H&R Block, but Jennings got it wrong and instead guessed FedEx.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Here’s guessing Jackson, an independent spirit, was never quite locked in.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Young restaurateur David Foulquier took inspiration from his Persian and French roots when imagining this downtown spot.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Just imagine singing along with a club full of other disciples.
    David Harris, SPIN, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • After discovering that the infantry is mounting an attack on Southern forces, Henry considers the chance to clear his name and finally fight for his country.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Back in Illinois, state lawmakers are considering a gun bill that would require pistol manufacturers to redesign models that can easily be turned into automatic weapons.
    Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • While the situation may feel serious, Lipsher stressed that preparation is about staying ahead of the problem, not panicking.
    Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Consider the chain of contingencies that had to align, and the child’s existence can feel like a miracle.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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