concept

noun

ˈkän-ˌsept How to pronounce concept (audio)
Definition of conceptnext
1
as in notion
an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation trying to change the public's concept of a nightly newscast

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in idea
something imagined or pictured in the mind a concept for a new kind of automobile that could revolutionize the industry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun concept contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concept are conception, 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)," 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?

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 concept?

The synonyms idea and concept are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 concept?

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

The words notion and concept 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 could thought be used to replace concept?

The meanings of thought and concept largely overlap; however, 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 concept The next goal is to expand the reach of the show without abandoning the original audience and concept. —Keyaira Boone, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025 The founders of Pita Jungle are adding Mexican flair to their iconic Mediterranean cuisine at their latest concept dubbed Feta Cowboy, which opened late last year. —Jessica Boehm, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025 Why a concept straight out of spy movies is a real threat. —Analisa Novak, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2025 In the play above, the Crimson Tide had a Sluggo/seam concept called. —Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for concept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concept
  1. notion
  2. idea
  3. conception
  4. thought
  5. stereotype
  6. impression
  7. theory
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
  • 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
  • The basic idea is to start with something large and compact it down for easy transport.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of idea
Noun
  • Primary care physicians know that every American has a stake in our health care system from the moment of conception until the last heartbeat and every day in between.
    — Primary care physicians, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Kylee Pucci is a six-time egg donor and has a unique relationship with her biological daughter Comments Egg donation provides families with the chance to experience parenthood when natural conception isn't possible.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of conception
Noun
  • Drop a comment with your thoughts on the first half of 9-1-1: Contagion below.
    — Andy Swift, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Definition of thought
Noun
  • Some of the members were introduced with nicknames, including Belle (who wore makeup associated with Latina stereotypes) as Lil Taco Belle, Natty as NT and Haneul as Bob Sky.
    — Jack Irvin, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • As a result of their high cash flow generation and low growth prospects, utilities have also correctly fallen into the high dividend payer stereotype.
    — Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of stereotype
Noun
  • Yet Armstrong has made an instantaneous and significant impression.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That notebook is the source for these quick and sweaty odds and ends that didn’t fit into my first impressions story.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 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

Browse Nearby Words

concentration camps
concept
conception
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Cite this Entry

“Concept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concept. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on concept

Nglish: Translation of concept for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about concept

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