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 Tom muses, in graphic detail, about his parents’ actions that led to his conception, birth and growing up to enter this particular restaurant on this particular date. —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025 If anything, the Meta ruling confirms a worrying truth: that the law’s current conception of fair use isn’t built for AI—it’s being bent around it. —Aron Solomon june 27, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025 To handle the conception and design of Kelson’s temple, and the entire film’s costume and production design, Boyle made the unconventional choice of hiring Gareth Pugh and Carson McColl. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 25 June 2025 Treatments may include hormonal support, dietary and lifestyle adjustments, microbiome optimization, minor surgeries, or medication, always with the goal of achieving natural conception. —Christopher Hale, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 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
  • The new concept comes six months after the owner of Explorium Brewing purchased Good City Brewing's four locations and its brands.
    — Jordyn Noennig, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
  • For his new concept revitalizing the former Nash & Proper space, Jimenez is taking inspiration from popular fast food chains such as In-N-Out and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, which have compact menus with high-quality ingredients.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of concept
Noun
  • Send ideas and tips to [email protected].
    — Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
  • Notable Music speakers: Wyclef Jean, Wynonna Judd, 2016: President Barack Obama discusses civic engagement, while first lady Michelle Obama's talks about her Let Girls Learn initiative and using music to promote ideas.
    — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
Definition of idea
Noun
  • As usual, Stewart’s stunt backfired, inverting free-speech and racial stereotypes.
    — Armond White, National Review, 25 July 2025
  • No racist stereotypes, no demeaning facial expressions, no bowed heads, and no broken bodies from the old Hollywood.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Definition of stereotype
Noun
  • To no surprise, viewers swarmed the TikTok video's comment section with their thoughts.
    — Skyler Caruso, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Wang — who was born in Shanghai and grew up in the small town of Northfield, Minn., before moving on to college at New York University — is still humbled by the thought of how many people auditioned for the role.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of thought
Noun
  • The franchise’s purchase by Disney in 2012 likely subconsciously reinforced the notion that Star Wars is popcorn, family entertainment, not the meaty material that wins acting awards.
    — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 July 2025
  • Cue a slapdash kidnapping and a quest to verify his identity prior to burying him alive, which brings together a rag-tag gang—a bookshop owner, a photographer, her ex, and a bride-to-be—all of whom suffered at the same man’s hands and have their own notions of justice.
    — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 21 July 2025
Definition of notion
Noun
  • Twenty-seven years ago, Armageddon benefited from a marketing campaign that left a lasting impression.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
  • Older people often bring up how the U.S. helped Kosovo, and that left a strong impression.
    — Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of impression
Noun
  • But Margulis took her theory further; in her view, symbiosis was the driving force of evolution, and many entities were likely composites.
    — Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
  • But they have long been stuck between theory and the promise of commercialization in the next five to 10 years.
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 22 July 2025
Definition of theory

Browse Nearby Words

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conception
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Cite this Entry

“Conception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conception. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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