THINK Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

think

verb

ˈthiŋk

Definition of think next

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

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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 As for the Musk-AfD alliance, Quent thinks they are flattered by his interest and are seizing an opportunity. —

Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025 The atmosphere lightens—air is let in; clean, tinny piano introduces itself—as Twigs abandons thinking. —

Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2025 But festival veterans are wary of a bringing Sundance, known for championing diversity of art and thought, to Ohio. —

Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb. 2025 And does the new Bears coach think Poles can fix the gaps in free agency and the draft? Johnson will have much to share about his plans in the days ahead. —

Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for think

Recent Examples of Synonyms for think

Verb

While officials believe Elkins is dead, her body has not been found.

— Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
Economists largely believe that, in limited circumstances, tariffs can be effective tools for economic growth.

— David Goldman, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025