thought 1 of 2

noun

ˈthȯt How to pronounce thought (audio)
Definition of thoughtnext
1
as in idea
something imagined or pictured in the mind I just had a thought: what if we both pitched in and bought him one big present instead of two smaller presents for his birthday?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in consideration
a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something I'll give your request some thought and then let you know what my decision is

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

thought

2 of 2

verb

past tense of think
as in believed
to have as an opinion I think we should wait for someone to come help us out

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun thought contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of thought are conception, concept, idea, impression, and notion. 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)," thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

When might concept be a better fit than thought?

The words concept and thought are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 thought?

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 is it sensible to use idea instead of thought?

Although the words idea and thought have much in common, 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 would impression be a good substitute for thought?

The synonyms impression and thought are sometimes interchangeable, but impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

In what contexts can notion take the place of thought?

While in some cases nearly identical to thought, notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

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 thought
Noun
Definitely fighting a lot of tough thoughts and battling, trying to move on from it, stick it out and stay with it. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026 Dewan added that Everly has even given her thoughts on her wedding dress. —Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
When asked why the shade structure was not included from the beginning, Trantalis said everyone thought an open-air plaza would work. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026 Before February 2022, some observers thought Russia was one of the world’s premier military powers—an assessment that Ukraine quickly upended. —Alan Cullison, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thought
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thought
  1. idea
  2. consideration
  3. believed
  4. concept
  5. deliberation
  6. guessed
  7. impression
  8. figured
Noun
  • In 1906, efforts to combine the desert landscapes led to a proposal to make New Mexico and Arizona into a single state, but Arizona voters overwhelmingly rejected this idea and continued to fight for their own statehood.
    — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • It's also linked with ideas about women and their sexuality and consumption.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of idea
Noun
  • In June 2023, the court held that race-conscious admissions programs violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, effectively curtailing the consideration of race in colleges nationwide.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Senate Bill 1277 would cut text limiting what counts as an ADU, essentially allowing detached ADUs with the same consideration as apartments inside a home.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of consideration
Verb
  • Priestesses once kept a sacred flame burning there day and night, believed to represent the life force of the city.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • In another universe, McCrae could have been played by Sigourney Weaver, but Disney's head of casting believed her unusual name could make life awkward for the film's marketing department.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of believed
Noun
  • Employers increasingly seek candidates who understand AI concepts, can work alongside AI systems, and develop AI solutions.
    — Micki Meyer, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Bar director Justin Sheffey and bar manager Christopher Osman invent new cocktails and innovate concepts on old-school tipples.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of concept
Noun
  • Political theorists like James Tulley distinguish between civil views of citizenship, focused on what government does, and civic views of citizenship, including deliberation and public work that citizens do together.
    — Harry Boyte, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
  • And, yes, the two seasons at $88 million beyond this season on his Memphis Grizzlies contract were significant in that deliberation.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of deliberation
Verb
  • Judging from Tutto Mare’s debut, David guessed right.
    — Rebecca Kleinman, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Before Calla Lily's identity was revealed, Robin Thicke guessed Danielle Fishel, Rita Ora picked Selma Blair and Ken Jeong guessed Christina Applegate.
    — Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of guessed
Noun
  • These mini cakes are totally decadent and make quite the impression for a dinner party.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
  • So, that was my first impression of Bruce.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of impression
Verb
  • Bennett figured that her more outgoing sibling, who was part of youth groups and bands at school, was probably picked up by a friend and will be home soon.
    — Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Feed the bigs One thing the Horned Frogs have figured it out is how dynamic their frontcourt duo of junior Xavier Edmonds and sophomore David Punch has become.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of figured

Phrases Containing thought

Browse Nearby Words

though
thought
thought (about or over)
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Cite this Entry

“Thought.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thought. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on thought

Nglish: Translation of thought for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thought

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