BBC Russian

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

idea

noun

ī-ˈdē-ə

Definition of idea next

as in concept

something imagined or pictured in the mind my idea of the perfect vacation spot is an uncrowded, unspoiled beach

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Examples of idea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web So, my idea is just to sleep and hopefully wake up to good news every single time. —

Lynette Rice, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2024 An inspired idea, but in the end probably one that seemed better on paper than in real life. —

Sean Gregory / Paris, TIME, 11 Aug. 2024 At the press conference following the medal ceremony, the U.S. gymnasts revealed that the salute was Chiles’ idea. —

Angelique Jackson, Variety, 11 Aug. 2024 If there was any idea in the show that random non-Targaryens can mount dragons, this discussion seems to dispel that notion. —

Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for idea

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'idea.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Cite this Entry

Style

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 15 Aug 2024 - Updated example sentences

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

fallacious

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Synonyms of idea

noun

Synonym Chooser

Examples of idea in a Sentence

Thesaurus Entries Near idea

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on idea

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

fallacious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

7 Shakespearean Insults to Make Life More Interesting

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of idea

noun

Synonym Chooser

Examples of idea in a Sentence

Articles Related to idea

Thesaurus Entries Near idea

Cite this Entry

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on idea

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

fallacious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

7 Shakespearean Insults to Make Life More Interesting

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

Games & Quizzes