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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun idea contrast with its synonyms?

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

While the synonyms concept and idea are close in meaning, 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 are the words conception and concept related as synonyms of idea?

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 would impression be a good substitute for idea?

The meanings of impression and idea largely overlap; however, 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 idea?

The synonyms notion and idea are sometimes interchangeable, 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 idea?

The words thought and idea can be used in similar contexts, 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 idea Measure a neighbor’s trampoline or try one out in a sporting goods store to get a better idea of the best size for you. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025 The change is shifting the balance of power from the most talented coders to anyone who has a great idea, opening the door to Silicon Valley’s next generation of unicorns. Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 4 June 2025 Entertainment companies have been exploring how to use AI in their processes, which supporters say can help reduce costs and allow creatives to test bold ideas without as many financial constraints. Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025 Per usual, the old and new world methods clash over topics like whether to physically restrain Emma to a bed, and Theophilus is convinced that anything that looks like rational evidence against his ideas is just Satan manipulating everyone’s brain. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for idea
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idea
Noun
  • But without the grounding ballast of a well-articulated sense of self, these jokes are free-floating concepts in search of the context that actually makes sitcom quips memorable.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 28 May 2025
  • Freedom Denim addressed the demand for soft fabrics with several new concepts including a robust line of chenille denim.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • One is the shift toward performance marketing models prioritizing instant feedback loops over long-term brand equity.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 3 June 2025
  • Both the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxies (M31) are part of what's known as the Local Group (LG), which also hosts other smaller galaxies (some not yet discovered) as well as dark matter (per the prevailing standard cosmological model).
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • These rituals included a physical action, an emotional expression and a shared sense of purpose.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • This was still wild country, and Fuller set off with the express purpose of producing a book about her journey.
    James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Pope Leo's Style of American Leadership Is a Hopeful Opportunity This body of thought, which had its most notable appearance in his 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum, introduced the world to a new approach to the social, economic, and political challenges of the day.
    Time, Time, 29 May 2025
  • And, of course, doing all these things in the presence of clients just shows a complete lack of rational thought.
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • For example, the family of Martin Gutierrez, whose body was found in the lake in 2018, before the media frenzy around Lady Bird Lake, believe he was drugged while on a night out.
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
  • For example, the survey found that consumers’ net purchase consideration levels have dipped in Canada and Europe but remained stable in China.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Under the law, defendants who present a mental health diagnosis usually have their charges dismissed and records cleared after completing a treatment plan.
    Ethan Wolin, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • Some health insurance plans will cover naloxone, and some state and local health departments may give out this medication free of charge.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • The very notion of shared destiny and collective goals is fading.
    Sturla Henriksen, Time, 5 June 2025
  • Many of the pointed questions that Cruz Guerrero sought answers to in the text revolved around fatherhood, namely the elusive notion of work-life balance.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • The whole of Wish World is built on Conrad's toxic ideals, made real by Desidirium's powers and subsequently amplified by the Ranis' ingenious/devious use of Voystet-bladen technology.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 24 May 2025
  • All those aspects make Zoom Phone ideal for customer support representatives who don't need advanced contact center features, knowledge workers who frequently make calls, and sales teams.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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