concept

noun

ˈkän-ˌsept How to pronounce concept (audio)
Definition of conceptnext
1
as in notion
an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation trying to change the public's concept of a nightly newscast

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in idea
something imagined or pictured in the mind a concept for a new kind of automobile that could revolutionize the industry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun concept contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concept are conception, idea, impression, notion, and thought. 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)," 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?

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 concept?

The synonyms idea and concept are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 concept?

The words impression and concept are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

Where would notion be a reasonable alternative to concept?

The words notion and concept can be used in similar contexts, but notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

When could thought be used to replace concept?

The meanings of thought and concept largely overlap; however, thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

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 concept Pre-literacy skills and math concepts can be important for school districts and policymakers as children get ready to begin state testing in later years. —Makiya Seminera, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026 The company behind the concept says the SM-39 could reach a top speed of Mach 4, roughly twice the speed suggested for other F/A-XX concepts. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026 Audiobook synchronization is not a new concept. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026 Several of those locations will likely be converted into other concepts owned by parent company Darden Restaurants. —David Matthews, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for concept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concept
  1. notion
  2. idea
  3. conception
  4. thought
  5. stereotype
  6. impression
  7. theory
Noun
  • Over the past few days, however, traders have reacted to the notion that AI also has the power to destroy the revenues of companies reliant on selling traditional software that can be replaced by AI.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The second annual Jambaloo erases that notion.
    — Thor Christensen, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of notion
Noun
  • In 1906, efforts to combine the desert landscapes led to a proposal to make New Mexico and Arizona into a single state, but Arizona voters overwhelmingly rejected this idea and continued to fight for their own statehood.
    — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • It's also linked with ideas about women and their sexuality and consumption.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of idea
Noun
  • The response affirmed something central to Kaplow’s conception of Hart — that comedy was not optional.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026
  • What unifies these thinkers is a totalizing and conspiratorial conception of modern liberal politics.
    — Laura K. Field, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of conception
Noun
  • Journaling is also a great way to explore your deeper thoughts.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Aim to share a post once a week between now and graduation, such as a story, event recap, or idea to demonstrate your engagement, perspective, and emerging thought leadership.
    — Micki Meyer, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of thought
Noun
  • Gentry doesn’t run from stereotypes.
    — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • My ethnic group has suffered lynchings, legal segregation and stereotypes that continue to the present day.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of stereotype
Noun
  • These mini cakes are totally decadent and make quite the impression for a dinner party.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
  • So, that was my first impression of Bruce.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of impression
Noun
  • Such theories were met with some skepticism by trade researchers at the time, and not all of the predictions have come true.
    — Josh Ederington, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • As the search continues with no suspects or persons of interest, posts across Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and YouTube have put millions of eyeballs on tips and theories surrounding her disappearance.
    — Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of theory

Browse Nearby Words

concentration camps
concept
conception
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Cite this Entry

“Concept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concept. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on concept

Nglish: Translation of concept for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about concept

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