Definition of thinknext

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 Police think the motorcyclist was traveling north and that the e-bike riders, who were riding together on the bike, were traveling west when the crash occurred. Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026 It's thought walking regularly and maintaining strength into old age helps support brain health and avert cognitive decline. Adam England, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Cheap financial capital has flooded into the industry, lowering the cost of protecting against disasters, but Bäte thinks the trend cannot continue forever. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 3 July 2026 That doesn’t mean Balogun didn’t think the red card was unjust. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • But Nouel believes these video trends and online and in-person forums for women are helping to change that.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • Police said, according to WBNS, that there was a history of domestic violence in the relationship, and it is believed to be the cause of Creech's death.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Peter, Anton and Marian Stastny, Quebec Nordiques, 1980-89 Even someone who barely knows a puck from a duck could guess Wayne Gretzky led the NHL in scoring for the 1980s.
    David J. Neal, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026
  • Competitive Wordle Score The Wordle Bot gets 1 point for guessing in three and 1 for beating me.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Designers have already sketched their answers for WWD, imagining everything from grand couture ballgowns to more unexpected takes on the singer’s bridal era.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
  • Whatever juju, imagined or self-made, permeating throughout the Braves’ roster over the last few weeks was exorcised Wednesday.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Aid groups consider the first 48 to 72 hours after a disaster to be the most critical window for finding survivors, though access to food and water can extend that period.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026
  • Should Portugal have rested Ronaldo against Colombia, considering Portugal entered Saturday’s match already assured of advancing to the knockout stage?
    Anthony Chiang June 27, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Its faith that people can rebuild their lives and start over feels almost radical today.
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • If that conversation also seems too anxiety-provoking, focus on modes of communication that do feel accessible to you.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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