notion

noun

ˈnō-shən How to pronounce notion (audio)
Definition of notionnext
1
as in novelties
notions plural small useful items the fabric store had a wide variety of thread, pins, buttons, and other notions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in whim
a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action I have a notion to go in-line skating this afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in belief
an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge has this naive notion that most people are basically honest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in idea
something imagined or pictured in the mind that modernistic building does not match my notion of what a country cottage should look like

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in concept
an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation the popular notion that college athletes are airheads

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun notion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of notion are conception, concept, idea, impression, 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)," 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 concept a more appropriate choice than notion?

The words concept and notion can be used in similar contexts, but 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, in the sense of notion?

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 might idea be a better fit than notion?

While in some cases nearly identical to notion, 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

Where would impression be a reasonable alternative to notion?

The words impression and notion 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

When can thought be used instead of notion?

In some situations, the words thought and notion are roughly equivalent. 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 notion But there are more questions than answers about the notion of Disney and its Marvel, Lucasfilm and Pixar stable suddenly being on the back foot. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025 The notion of a man of Ballmer’s wealth — $153 billion; most in professional sports and top 10 on the planet — being able to procure and retain elite talent through surreptitious ways is the worst nightmare for fans of the league’s other 29 teams. —Sam Amick, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025 Kirk, the group maintains, also promoted Christian nationalism, the notion that Christians should dominate government and other aspects of life in the United States. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025 Who lacks any observable notion of grand strategy — that is, of a plausible plan to Keep America Great and achieve peace through strength. —Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for notion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for notion
  1. novelties
  2. whim
  3. belief
  4. idea
  5. concept
  6. opinion
  7. thought
  8. stereotype
Noun
  • As speed became more important in recent concession history, the rise of novelties has grown with pre-packed bars and treats—Tillamook’s presence in Portland with ice cream sandwiches offers a prime example.
    — Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Who knew if these roles were flukes — one-offs, novelties — or if Jerry Adler would defy the odds stacked up against any actor, much less a sexagenarian new to the game, and continue to find work in his newfound profession.
    — Howard Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Definition of novelties
Noun
  • At the end of each task, Davies awards points based on performance and his own whims, and the winner at the end of each series gets a trophy shaped like Davies’s head.
    — Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Historically linked to meditation and traditional Japanese dining culture, today’s iterations are all about modern living needs that suit every whim—lounging while binging on the White Lotus reruns, creating a reading nook, or simply losing oneself in texts at the end of the day.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of whim
Noun
  • Her bold spirit and belief in God's guidance have propelled her to pursue various impactful ventures.
    — Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Likewise, endorsing the belief that a college degree is important for economic success is different than agreeing that the typical college curriculum equips students with essential job skills.
    — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Definition of belief
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
  • 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
  • The opinions expressed in this story are theirs and not those of ABC News.
    — Richard Frankel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Some throw pillow shapes—namely ones that can do double duty as floor cushions when the occasion rises—are just superior, in our opinion.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of opinion
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
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

noting
notion
notional
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Cite this Entry

“Notion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/notion. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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