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 For those looking to optimize sperm for conception, Dr. Lee advised minimizing or eliminating alcohol, not smoking or taking recreational drugs. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 But there’s little value in hanging onto the antiquated conception of princess as operetta drip, opposite a cardboard prince. —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025 The case, even before the possibility of defying court orders arose, encapsulated some of the most dangerous legal tendencies of the Trump Administration: a hyper-aggressive conception of Presidential power combined with an eagerness to stretch statutory language beyond any reasonable bounds. —Ruth Marcus, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2025 The titular story, the book’s longest, is a western set entirely before our modern conception of transness. —Grace Byron, Vulture, 11 Mar. 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
  • 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
  • Jon Conahan of Athlon Sports recently pitched a blockbuster trade idea that would send Walker to the New York Mets this season.
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Thankfully, the other two judges have an idea how to properly judge a mixed martial arts fight and the right man got the win.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of idea
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
  • 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
  • Thibodeau shot down the notion Anunoby will be resigned to spacing the floor in the corners once Brunson returns to the lineup.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Any specific test—the LSAT or ARC-AGI or a coding puzzle—will inherently contradict the notion of general intelligence; the term’s defining trait may be its undefinability.
    — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of notion
Noun
  • And those first impressions include just about everything.
    — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • My impression of bath mats, from years of owning ones that end up getting soggy on contact, was that there was little to nothing to do about mildew, puddles of water, and discoloration.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of impression
Noun
  • Within just a few years, Einstein would publish his theory of relativity and launch an entirely new era of physics.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Even if someone attempted to build one of the machines depicted in these blueprints, however, researchers point out that undecidability is a feature of physical theories and cannot literally exist in real experiments.
    — Charlie Wood, Wired News, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of theory

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Conception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conception. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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