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 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 That’s a bold design choice, and not in a forward-thinking way. Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026 Of course, once can’t think of the extra-heighted headband without conjuring up an image of Leighton Meester as queen bee Blair Waldorf, who had a wardrobe full of them in all kinds of prints and patterns. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • Wardlaw, a homeless man who prosecutors said frequently slept on the Greenbelt and believed people on scooters were after him, was held in custody without bond.
    Carolyn Komatsoulis Updated July 13, Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2026
  • Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood), who co-wrote the legislation that expanded the film and television tax credit, says that the cap appears to have been an oversight, and that members believed the film program was exempt.
    Gio Insignares, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • The series made approximately half its potential audience (guess which half) feel insane.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
  • Instead, Northstar also leans on positive signals, such as verifying when a message genuinely comes from a legitimate sender such as a bank or a retailer, so users aren’t left guessing whether a note purporting to be from Amazon is real.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 13 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
  • And on bikes no-one sane would ever consider banging around a racetrack on.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • The Teller's wedding no-show still comes a surprise, considering Keleigh has been friends with Taylor for well over a decade.
    Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Either way, for a community facing such deep loss, the space felt to Dondi like a warm blanket.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • On one wall, Garcia has some of his hats on display, beautifully constructed in beaver felt.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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