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 This is the Court that just last year gave us Trump v. United States, with its inflated concept of Presidential authority and extensive grant of Presidential immunity from criminal prosecution. —Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025 The store draws inspiration from the Casa Loewe concept that combines product with art, craft, and design pieces. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2025 This connection led to an introduction to Best Buddies International, where the Flower Bar concept was first born. —Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 And now, the time was ripe to take its concept on the road. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025 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
  • Yes, the notion that a good tackle might fall is a big if.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The development reinforces the notion that Nvidia — the driving force of the generative AI boom on Wall Street for the past two years, turning in extraordinary sales, profit and share-price growth during that time — finds itself in an increasingly precarious moment.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of notion
Noun
  • Deporting supposed gang members and Hamas supporters without due process may violate any number of statutes, but forcing oppositionists to defend these people’s rights allows the administration to paint them as defending their ideas.
    — Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The basic idea is to start with something large and compact it down for easy transport.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of idea
Noun
  • However, both adoption and conception turned out to be challenging journeys.
    — Jordan Greene, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • What is the big challenge about a world with little patience, and leaning into films that can take years between conception and release?
    — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of conception
Noun
  • The increasing prevalence and potential for invasion of privacy (of our thoughts, no less) has prompted lawmakers in some jurisdictions to take action.
    — Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of thought
Noun
  • The post is replete with myths and false transphobic stereotypes, particularly revolving around the narratives that gender and biology are inextricable and that trans women are dangerous.
    — Aja Romano, Vox, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Faculty/alumni The old stereotype of the out-of-touch, tweed-wearing egghead, spending their life lecturing on the lesser plays of Ben Jonson, is itself out of touch.
    — Ars Staff, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of stereotype
Noun
  • The scientists, led by fossil track specialist Conner Bennett, used advanced 3D imaging techniques to identify and analyze four sets of vertebrate trace fossils, including impressions left behind by prehistoric birds, mammals, lizards and invertebrates.
    — Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Chido Obi has made such an impression in fleeting senior cameos that not registering the 17-year-old for the Europa League could be regarded as an oversight.
    — Mark Critchley, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of impression
Noun
  • The most likely answer is that the account is run by a member of a competing stan community, but my theory is that the Blue Origin mission got in the way of Wendy’s own major technological launch on Monday, April 14: Frostys with flavor swirls in them.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The site goes on to advance the theory that COVID-19 originated in a Wuhan lab and undermines Trump’s political rivals like Joe Biden and Andrew Cuomo.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
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 29 Apr. 2025.

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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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