think

verb

ˈthiŋk How to pronounce think (audio)
Definition of thinknext
as in to believe
to have as an opinion I think we should wait for someone to come help us out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word think distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of think are conceive, envisage, envision, fancy, imagine, and realize. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," think implies the entrance of an idea into one's mind with or without deliberate consideration or reflection.

I just thought of a good joke

When is it sensible to use conceive instead of think?

Although the words conceive and think have much in common, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How do envisage and envision relate to one another, in the sense of think?

Both envisage and envision imply a conceiving or imagining that is especially clear or detailed.

envisaged a totally computerized operation
envisioned a cure for the disease

When is fancy a more appropriate choice than think?

The synonyms fancy and think are sometimes interchangeable, but fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When might imagine be a better fit than think?

The words imagine and think can be used in similar contexts, but imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When can realize be used instead of think?

In some situations, the words realize and think are roughly equivalent. However, realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

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 think When choosing snacks for hot weather, think durability, minimal mess, and big flavor. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025 The Fourth Circuit Court of Civil Appeals found in the wife’s and son’s favor again, which everyone except the Spiritualists thought would end it. —Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2025 Founding member of the pop rock band OneRepublic and political outsider Tim Myers thinks so. —William Melhado july 7, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2025 Huge upset as Las Vegas, who many thought would go undefeated this weekend, lose their opener 3-1. —Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
  1. believe
  2. guess
  3. imagine
  4. consider
  5. feel
Verb
  • An object believed to be both from another star system and the oldest comet ever observed has been imaged by a massive telescope on a volcano in Hawaii.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Authorities believe Bryant is the man captured on surveillance video throwing a Molotov cocktail through the window of the building, according to an arrest affidavit cited by the Denver Post and Colorado Public Radio (CPR).
    — Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of believe
Verb
  • Meanwhile, when other platforms misfire spectacularly, we're left guessing whether this reflects leadership views, corporate risk aversion, regulatory pressure, or accident.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 15 July 2025
  • But in the meantime, relatives could only guess the severity of the injury by observing the facial expressions of Nuggets personnel.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Definition of guess
Verb
  • The two imagined the estate as a members-only club, attracting international jet-setters, diplomats, and cultural tastemakers seeking an alternative to resort tourism.
    — Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Graydon imagined the party as a marketing coup for the magazine and a way to repair strained relationships on the West Coast.
    — Michael Grynbaum, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Definition of imagine
Verb
  • Because the banyan trees were not considered healthy enough for a relocation, Zachariades said there is no choice but to remove them.
    — Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • This is particularly important for homeowners in fire-prone areas to consider, the James Hardie pro says.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
Definition of consider
Verb
  • His loss is deeply felt across the entire ROTC and Rutgers community.
    — Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 27 July 2025
  • So why does life feel costly for many Michiganders?
    — Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
Definition of feel

Phrases Containing think

Browse Nearby Words

thingummy
think
thinkable
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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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