Synonym Chooser

How is the word think distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of think are conceive, envisage, envision, fancy, imagine, and realize. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," think implies the entrance of an idea into one's mind with or without deliberate consideration or reflection.

I just thought of a good joke

When is it sensible to use conceive instead of think?

Although the words conceive and think have much in common, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How do envisage and envision relate to one another, in the sense of think?

Both envisage and envision imply a conceiving or imagining that is especially clear or detailed.

envisaged a totally computerized operation
envisioned a cure for the disease

When is fancy a more appropriate choice than think?

The synonyms fancy and think are sometimes interchangeable, but fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When might imagine be a better fit than think?

The words imagine and think can be used in similar contexts, but imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When can realize be used instead of think?

In some situations, the words realize and think are roughly equivalent. However, realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

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 think The Browns must think otherwise to be taking him with a top 100 pick, but this one is hard to explain. Zac Jackson, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 Researchers once thought this ability was unique to humans. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025 Rather than designs being printed by ink, all options are made by gel following the same standard process of any pro manicure (think: base coat, color gel polish, design, top coat). Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025 Now a few researchers think a form of two-way communication with dolphins could be on the horizon. Melissa Hobson, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • Musk has never denied his hard-charging style and believes that his work building electric cars and rockets is crucial for the health of the planet and the continuation of the human species, and that his DOGE work responds to threats of U.S. bankruptcy.
    Jonathan Landay, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • And if White Houses have believed this too, that the people that are being covered do not choose who covers them.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Many theories have been floating around about what may have caused the rearranging with some guessing another stage and others imagining an extraordinary set design.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg guessed Johnny Rzeznik from Goo Goo Dolls.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Many theories have been floating around about what may have caused the rearranging with some guessing another stage and others imagining an extraordinary set design.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Now, imagine a flood of political images, hateful memes and mocking videos from domestic and foreign sources taking over social media.
    Ernesto Verdeja, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Media reports suggest Rubio skipped the talks over Ukraine's refusal to consider the U.S. proposal on Crimea.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Financial success often creates opportunities for broader, more impactful goals—ones that may not have been considered at the outset.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In what felt like just a few seconds, the motion subsided, and my seat retreated back to the deck.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The side-slit hem and v-neckline add just enough interest, while the breathable knit keeps it from feeling stuffy on warmer afternoons.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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