thought 1 of 2

thought

2 of 2

verb

past tense of think

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun thought contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of thought are conception, concept, idea, impression, and notion. While all these words mean "what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan)," thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

When might concept be a better fit than thought?

The words concept and thought are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be.

a society with no concept of private property

How do conception and concept relate to one another, in the sense of thought?

Conception is often interchangeable with concept; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result.

our changing conception of what constitutes art

When is it sensible to use idea instead of thought?

Although the words idea and thought have much in common, idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed.

innovative ideas
my idea of paradise

When would impression be a good substitute for thought?

The synonyms impression and thought are sometimes interchangeable, but impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

In what contexts can notion take the place of thought?

While in some cases nearly identical to thought, notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

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 thought
Noun
Turn thoughts into words: Advanced software figures out what the user wants to say or do and translates it into speech, text or digital commands. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025 Jones has also talked extensively about struggling with suicidal thoughts and depression. Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 21 June 2025
Verb
Some of the rules, like only having one serve, should also give tennis pause for thought about whether there are elements of UTS that would work well on the main tour. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024 The system as envisioned in the First Amendment, that the government cannot interfere with the freedom of the press, is working precisely as the Founders thought. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for thought
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thought
Noun
  • If your idea of a good country getaway requires a stop by an antique mall, then add the Blue Moon Antique Mall and Bookstore to your list.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • This chicken dinner idea checks several of the essential boxes for cowboy cooking: a cast iron skillet, plenty of Southwestern flavor, and a cheesy topping.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Based on public feedback and the survey that closed June 17, Baird-Spencer said, the top three alternatives are expected to be presented to the City Council for consideration.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2025
  • This suggests that its disruptive effects only work on certain types of cells, which will be an important consideration when developing medications.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • He is believed to be the only dual-sport athlete in the NCAA this season to play football and men’s basketball.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Israel says as many as half of them are believed to be dead.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Laura Aguilar, Kwame Brathwaite, Kalli Arte Collective, Jennifer Moon, Wendy Red Star, Roger Shimomura, Cindy Sherman, Rodrigo Valenzuela and June Wayne are among the more than 50 artists redefining and expanding the concept of identity. Saturday through Aug. 30.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
  • Within this exact conflict is where Antigravity Academy finds the concept of camp so important.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The panel of eight men and four women continued deliberating the charges against Combs after not reaching a verdict on the first day of deliberations.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • Multiple notes were sent back from the jury throughout the roughly 10 hours of deliberations so far.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Robin Thicke guessed Lori Loughlin.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Although these participants guessed that about half of their leaders were climate-change deniers, only about 10 percent truly fell into that category, per the study.
    Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His powerful late kick and ability to handle the 1 1/4-mile distance in that race left a lasting impression.
    Jared Welch, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Firm employees gave families the opposite impression, according to stipulation.
    Harriet Ryan, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • The 10-round cruiserweight affair ended in Paul’s sixth consecutive victory but did little to quell the notion that the YouTuber-turned-boxer is building his in-ring reputation with a fraudulent resume built on defeating big names many years removed from their heydays.
    Mark Puleo, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • The overall operations swiftly moved from the notion of targeting dangerous criminal immigrants to everyday workers and laborers — who may or may not have proper documentation — trying to make a living, and overriding local officials along the way.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Thought.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thought. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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