conception

noun

kən-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce conception (audio)
Definition of conceptionnext
1
as in concept
an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation the false conception that wheelchair users are homebound and helpless

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in idea
something imagined or pictured in the mind our changing conceptions of what constitutes art

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun conception contrast with its synonyms?

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

Although the words concept and conception have much in common, 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

When might idea be a better fit than conception?

The meanings of idea and conception largely overlap; however, 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 is impression a more appropriate choice than conception?

While the synonyms impression and conception are close in meaning, 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 conception?

The words notion and conception can be used in similar contexts, 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 conception?

The synonyms thought and conception are sometimes interchangeable, 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 conception As the historian Peter Roady has elegantly argued, a more militarized and international conception of national security dominated establishment thinking in Washington after World War II. —Aroop Mukharji, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025 The Space Launch System rocket cost taxpayers $23.8 billion since its conception in 2011, according to data from The Planetary Society. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025 Rogen says the idea to make the episode itself a oner became a funny meta joke-on-the-joke during the installment’s conception. —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 26 Mar. 2025 Falling into the Discipline Trap Today’s conceptions of discipline are that more is always better, working harder will always be more effective, and all suffering is progress. —Kody Boye, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conception
  1. concept
  2. idea
  3. stereotype
  4. thought
  5. notion
  6. impression
  7. theory
Noun
  • And now, the time was ripe to take its concept on the road.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But is this really a new concept, or just a rebranding?
    — Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of concept
Noun
  • Another good idea before kicking off an exercise routine: For activities that involve spinal twisting and bending, talk with your physical therapist to get tips on proper form.
    — Alice Oglethorpe, SELF, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Deporting supposed gang members and Hamas supporters without due process may violate any number of statutes, but forcing oppositionists to defend these people’s rights allows the administration to paint them as defending their ideas.
    — Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of idea
Noun
  • The post is replete with myths and false transphobic stereotypes, particularly revolving around the narratives that gender and biology are inextricable and that trans women are dangerous.
    — Aja Romano, Vox, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Faculty/alumni The old stereotype of the out-of-touch, tweed-wearing egghead, spending their life lecturing on the lesser plays of Ben Jonson, is itself out of touch.
    — Ars Staff, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of stereotype
Noun
  • But when asked his thoughts on U.S. President Donald Trump’s politics during a press conference after the lineup announcement, Fremaux kept it diplomatic.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Drop a comment with your thoughts on the first half of 9-1-1: Contagion below.
    — Andy Swift, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of thought
Noun
  • Yes, the notion that a good tackle might fall is a big if.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The development reinforces the notion that Nvidia — the driving force of the generative AI boom on Wall Street for the past two years, turning in extraordinary sales, profit and share-price growth during that time — finds itself in an increasingly precarious moment.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of notion
Noun
  • The scientists, led by fossil track specialist Conner Bennett, used advanced 3D imaging techniques to identify and analyze four sets of vertebrate trace fossils, including impressions left behind by prehistoric birds, mammals, lizards and invertebrates.
    — Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Chido Obi has made such an impression in fleeting senior cameos that not registering the 17-year-old for the Europa League could be regarded as an oversight.
    — Mark Critchley, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of impression
Noun
  • The most likely answer is that the account is run by a member of a competing stan community, but my theory is that the Blue Origin mission got in the way of Wendy’s own major technological launch on Monday, April 14: Frostys with flavor swirls in them.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The site goes on to advance the theory that COVID-19 originated in a Wuhan lab and undermines Trump’s political rivals like Joe Biden and Andrew Cuomo.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of theory

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concept
conception
conceptions
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Cite this Entry

“Conception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conception. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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