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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 However, her family has widely disputed both ideas, and instead have looked to evidence suggesting Bradley may have been a victim of human trafficking while on board the ship. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2025 What began as a casual idea—something fun to fill the week after the course’s annual aerification—quickly evolved into a full-scale charitable event. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025 Take a look at these quick and easy celebrity costume ideas for Halloween. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 His idea was equal parts earnest and diabolical. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Oct. 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
  • Google has been reorienting its Android smartphones’ software around this concept, with features like Circle to Search, which performs a Google search based on what’s on your phone’s screen.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Naroditsky was widely praised for his ability to explain complex chess concepts clearly.
    — Dave Smith, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
Definition of concept
Noun
  • The system works in bacteria, human cells, and even live tumor models, offering a safer and more precise alternative to traditional techniques.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The model wore two looks that night, including an eye-turning pink two-piece lingerie set with a sparkly bustier and lacy boy briefs.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of model
Noun
  • Swets, who has expertise with special-purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), formed Greenland Exploration with his investment and merchant banking firm, FG Nexus, and agreed to merge with March GL and find a suitable SPAC to take the company public.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Sea lines of communication, or SLOCs, are the principal maritime routes between ports used for trade, military or other purposes.
    — Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Few consumers relish the thought of reading a credit report, shopping for car insurance or parsing a bank statement.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Most young people who experience suicidal thoughts keep those thoughts to themselves.
    — Dr. Theresa T. Nguyen, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of thought
Noun
  • One example of such smaller space weather events is a magnetic flux rope—bundles of magnetic fields wrapped around each other like a rope.
    — JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 24 Oct. 2025
  • One of the most famous examples of a major business leader succeeding from failure was Apple’s visionary cofounder Steve Jobs.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of example
Noun
  • The Department of Agriculture's funding lapse plan was later removed from the agency's website.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The five cities are believed to be the first of more to come across ICE's 24 field offices nationwide, according to officials familiar with the plans.
    — Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of plan
Noun
  • But Interview With the Vampire set a precedent for transformative TV from the Immortal Universe, its narrative and visual audacity subverting adaptation tropes and genre storytelling by challenging viewers’ notions of immortality, sexuality, and destiny.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2025
  • From these revolutionary realizations, the notion of the expanding Universe was born.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of notion
Noun
  • The ideal of the Achillean warrior lives on as a touchstone for anyone attempting to understand or reinvent military culture.
    — Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Like Moore, many Philadelphians had stayed true to Garvey’s ideals even after the American government deported him in 1927.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of ideal

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ID cards
idea
ideal
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Cite this Entry

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 29 Oct. 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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