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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun idea contrast with its synonyms?

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

While the synonyms concept and idea are close in meaning, 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 are the words conception and concept related as synonyms of idea?

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 would impression be a good substitute for idea?

The meanings of impression and idea largely overlap; however, 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 idea?

The synonyms notion and idea are sometimes interchangeable, 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 idea?

The words thought and idea can be used in similar contexts, 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 idea This means that stellar execution is far more impressive than a set of ideas in the mind. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 What began as a simple idea has grown into a thriving community of more than 1,500 fathers, offering online and in-person connections. Christina Montoya Fiedler, Parents, 22 July 2025 It’s thought that this larger group will be whittled down to around 15 companies who will be invited into a 15-minute pitch meeting, where a winner will either be declared or a handful of companies will be chosen to develop their ideas further. Peter White, Deadline, 22 July 2025 What begins as an opportunity to include more types of jokes (the word cum can be written in so many different ways) evolves into the show’s whole idea: that humans are gloriously capable of mentally juggling two things at once. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for idea
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idea
Noun
  • The new concept comes six months after the owner of Explorium Brewing purchased Good City Brewing's four locations and its brands.
    Jordyn Noennig, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
  • For his new concept revitalizing the former Nash & Proper space, Jimenez is taking inspiration from popular fast food chains such as In-N-Out and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, which have compact menus with high-quality ingredients.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The pool brand names and model numbers can be found on the pool liner on the outside of the pool.
    Melina Khan, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
  • Henderson's team is planning research that tracks which models attorneys are using most in courts.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • In addition to being easier to use, steamers can serve a dual purpose; the steam acts as a natural deodorizer, eliminating not only wrinkles but also odor-causing bacteria.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2025
  • As Wolf says, cannabis hospitality’s future belongs to those who serve purpose, not novelty — building a new kind of travel rooted in mindfulness, connection and place.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 28 July 2025
  • Unfortunately, most hiring managers take a backward-thinking approach and charge ahead with little thought.
    Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Noun
  • For example, the Bay View Neighborhood Association supports residents through advocacy and community improvements.
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • For example, fructose (fruit sugar) is converted to glucose in the liver, and so is galactose (a component of milk sugar).
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Chris Bailey announced an effort to create his department's new strategic plan in April.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • Paige and Tim were originally supposed to get married in May 2020 — a plan that was derailed by COIVD-19, like so many others' nuptials.
    Jen Juneau, People.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • The franchise’s purchase by Disney in 2012 likely subconsciously reinforced the notion that Star Wars is popcorn, family entertainment, not the meaty material that wins acting awards.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 July 2025
  • Cue a slapdash kidnapping and a quest to verify his identity prior to burying him alive, which brings together a rag-tag gang—a bookshop owner, a photographer, her ex, and a bride-to-be—all of whom suffered at the same man’s hands and have their own notions of justice.
    Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement This god is not just a spiritual ideal but a symbol of ultimate power and control.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 25 July 2025
  • Chef-owner Niven Patel’s innovative fusion sit-down in Wynwood (and Michelin Bib Gourmand) has a ghost pepper-cheddar naan ideal for mopping up every saucy dish on its $45 Miami Spice menu.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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