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 Officially launched at the end of the year, the collection brings Louboutin’s signature design codes to life in eyewear form—think bold architectural lines, sensual curves, and unmistakable touches of red. Mecca Pryor, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025 Loch Ness, the infamous freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands, has long been thought to be the home of an indescribable creature. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025 Anyone who didn’t know better might have thought that Strong was actually the veteran of the pair, unfazed by the fanfare and the promise of a national semifinal matchup with UCLA in Tampa, Fla., on Friday. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025 Staying silent for a few seconds can make people think of you as smart. Kathy and Ross Petras, Contributors, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • In China, markets fluctuated as investors responded to the White House clarifying that the level of tariffs on Chinese goods is now 145% -- not 125% as previously believed.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Jones believes the debate will only end when lawmakers take action.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After a clue brought via a time machine (what else?), guesses for Yorkie included Lori Loughlin (Thicke), Kyle Richards (Jeong), and Erika Jayne (McCarthy-Wahlberg).
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Wearing a dress with a print that includes white can often leave people guessing.
    Maria Ward, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Just imagine the potpourri of amazing facial expressions that would have been on display had Sai been sitting on the jury.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Photo : Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC Our interior was imagined as a mix of Alcantara and semi-aniline leather in Onyx Black, complemented by a dark chrome finish on the air vents and metallic switches, and carbon fiber for the steering wheel.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The dispute ended up before the Supreme Court, and Chief Justice John Roberts put that deadline on hold to allow the high court more time to consider the matter.
    Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Legal representatives for Nelly urged the judge presiding over the case to consider delaying the dismissal and holding St. Lunatics accountable for the legal charges incurred.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Many individuals feel too stressed or busy will avoid treating themselves, according to a study by Cornell SC Johnson College of Business published in the Journal of Consumer Research.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Even Bangkok, some 600 miles away, felt widespread shaking and saw significant damage from the quake -- including the total collapse of a skyscraper under construction.
    Mark Osborne, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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