the idea
noun
: the central meaning or purpose of something : goal or intention
The whole idea of the game is to keep from getting caught.
The idea is to get people to attend.
Examples of the idea in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However, some rank-and-file Democrats are still floating the idea of funding everything except ICE and Customs and Border Protection, arguing those agencies are already funded and should be isolated from other key government functions.
—
Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Upscale wellness resorts advertised the idea that a guest could come and experience meditation and spiritual healing without having to sleep on a floor, abstain from alcohol, or take a vow of silence.
—Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
While Seidler declined to clarify whether any assurance the Padres were staying put would be part of terms of the sale, the idea of the team relocating has been described by many around baseball as ludicrous.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Now many are coming to him committed to the idea from the get-go.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the idea
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Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Upscale wellness resorts advertised the idea that a guest could come and experience meditation and spiritual healing without having to sleep on a floor, abstain from alcohol, or take a vow of silence.
—Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
While Seidler declined to clarify whether any assurance the Padres were staying put would be part of terms of the sale, the idea of the team relocating has been described by many around baseball as ludicrous.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Now many are coming to him committed to the idea from the get-go.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the idea
Cite this Entry
“The idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20idea. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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