conception

noun

kən-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce conception (audio)
Definition of conceptionnext
1
as in concept
an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation the false conception that wheelchair users are homebound and helpless

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in idea
something imagined or pictured in the mind our changing conceptions of what constitutes art

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun conception contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of conception are concept, 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)," 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 can concept be used instead of conception?

Although the words concept and conception have much in common, 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

When might idea be a better fit than conception?

The meanings of idea and conception largely overlap; however, 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 is impression a more appropriate choice than conception?

While the synonyms impression and conception are close in meaning, 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 conception?

The words notion and conception 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 is it sensible to use thought instead of conception?

The synonyms thought and conception are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 conception The Fyre Festival was widely covered in the media, and two documentaries exploring its faulty conception and disastrous execution were released in 2019. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025 In this role, Henrico will oversee design and product conception as well as creative marketing and communications. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 5 Sep. 2025 Its original conception was modernizing recruiting with AI and high-tech matching algorithms. —Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 These works are what happens when excess sentiment meets shallow conception and hasty commissioning. —Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conception
  1. concept
  2. idea
  3. stereotype
  4. thought
  5. notion
  6. impression
  7. theory
Noun
  • Each module has a video component and addresses real-world concepts for AI use cases in automotive.
    — Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Zara relocated and expanded into an elevated design department store-style concept featuring a dedicated Zara Athletics section.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of concept
Noun
  • As a public institution, UVU upholds First Amendment rights and fosters an environment where ideas – popular or controversial – can be exchanged freely, energetically, and civilly.
    — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Some ideas came from experience.
    — Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of idea
Noun
  • The stereotype of Saudis as Bedouins on camels is slowly being replaced by a more complex, layered identity.
    — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Forget the tired cougar stereotype—dating an older woman is a real fantasy that most men have had their whole lives.
    — Linsey Hughes, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of stereotype
Noun
  • Here, though, the research team is trying to model people’s thoughts on financial policy, which is why the enumerated outcomes include initial rate recommendations, made up of a preferred policy rate, a confidence score, and a summary.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Lauren, 40, then chimed in with her own thoughts on what makes their relationship work after all these years.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of thought
Noun
  • But these teachings challenge any notion of hoarding resources for oneself—or one’s precious group—at the expense of others in need.
    — John Fugelsang September 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
  • But the notion that the president himself is the leader of Tren de Aragua is a bit of stretch, according to Ronna Rísquez, the author of the book El Tren de Aragua.
    — Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of notion
Noun
  • Still, that didn’t dull the impression left on a young Vitale.
    — Mahoro Seward, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Fat Bear Week, reaching 1 million voters online and hundreds of millions of impressions collectively through print, TV and online media, is a striking example of how digital platforms can amplify conservation awareness far beyond the park’s borders.
    — Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of impression
Noun
  • The most effective education models are those that blend theory with real-world practice.
    — Sanjay Srivastava, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Testing particle physics theories, the $8 billion LHC was composed of superconducting magnets that allowed scientists to study subatomic particles including protons, electrons, quarks and photons.
    — Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of theory

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conception
conceptions
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Cite this Entry

“Conception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conception. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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