idea

noun

ī-ˈdē-ə How to pronounce idea (audio)
Definition of ideanext
1
as in concept
something imagined or pictured in the mind my idea of the perfect vacation spot is an uncrowded, unspoiled beach

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in model
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation Helen Keller remains my idea of a person with indomitable spirit

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish the idea is to get the information without seeming to be nosy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Here are some other ideas for using up your jar of ube halaya. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025 Establish open communication channels for employees and suppliers to share ideas. —Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 Here, Michele’s responses to WWD questions elaborating on his ideas of daily life. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2025 House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is giving a big boost to those who want to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks, an idea that has bipartisan backers in Congress and broad support in the public. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for idea
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idea
  1. concept
  2. model
  3. purpose
  4. thought
  5. example
  6. plan
  7. notion
  8. ideal
Noun
  • But is this really a new concept, or just a rebranding?
    — Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And now, the time was ripe to take its concept on the road.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of concept
Noun
  • The tiered model approach allows developers to select the appropriate balance between performance and cost, with GPT-4.1 Nano being ideal for tasks like classification or autocompletion, and the standard GPT-4.1 model suited for more complex applications.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • This will vary based on the model of the car as well as the car seat itself.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of model
Noun
  • The name’s ironic on purpose—the app allows users to create, send, and receive anonymous voice messages in a celebrity’s tone.
    — Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Iran insists − amid much international skepticism, including from the U.N.'s IAEA − that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, like energy and nuclear power, only.
    — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of purpose
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
  • For example, in the old format, Duncanville might’ve faced Denton Guyer during its playoff run despite having more than 2,000 students.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2025
  • From 2002 to 2017, for example, due to global warming, ice sheet losses accounted for roughly a third of mean sea level rise.
    — Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of example
Noun
  • Trump has upended the global trading system that has been in place for over 75 years with a plan for tariffs on products from across the world.
    — Chris Prentice, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • As part of the U.S. plan, the yearslong war would be considered frozen, the EU sources told Bloomberg.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of plan
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
  • On top of that, when your roots and pillow are damp, that creates a moist, warm breeding ground ideal for Malassezia yeast, which in excess, can cause dandruff, per Dr. Cheng, or an inflammatory skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis (characterized by itchy, greasy patches).
    — Jenna Ryu, SELF, 8 Apr. 2025
  • This Anker power bank stores up to two full charges for your phone and has a USB-C port ideal for fast charging.
    — Jordyn Burrell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of ideal

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Cite this Entry

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on idea

Nglish: Translation of idea for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about idea

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