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
Noun
  • The concept of personalized treatment plans for pets mirrors a trend in the human medical field, where topics like personalized wellness and healthy aging are increasingly popular.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Following in this line of thought, the current state of the culture wars is evidently a reaction to hegemony that progressive concepts achieved, particularly in the immediately preceding period.
    Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The first myth is that innovation hinges on a single monumental idea.
    Mark Nevins, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The basic idea goes back to the 1960s, when Disney started pumping smells into its theme parks, even patenting its own odor-making machine, the Smellitzer.
    Susan Campos, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • His strength and determination in the face of adversity challenges stereotypes and serves as an inspiration to people from all walks of life.
    Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The most effective messages were those that highlighted personal responsibility and safety concerns more than those based on legal risks; and realistic, positive, and diverse messaging that avoided exaggerated stereotypes.
    Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This method eliminates reactive emotions, allows for clearer self-expression and encourages both partners to process their thoughts and feelings before responding.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The most widely used are: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This form of talk therapy involves identifying the thought processes that trigger your anger and then implementing methods to notice those thoughts and manage your anger.
    Wendy Wisner, Health, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Thomas’ favorite parts about leading tours are meeting different kinds of people and watching anyone with a negative or preconceived notion about certain parts of Chicago change their opinion over the course of a tour.
    Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The notion of regulation, particularly in Hollywood and Washington D.C., tends to make many balk.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Caroline and Laina took first impressions to a whole new level, arriving in full lawyer attire.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • And those first impressions include just about everything.
    Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Zoom in: Here are 10 theories, based on conversations with dozens of top Democrats, on what went wrong and what needs to change.
    Alex Thompson, Axios, 22 Mar. 2025
  • No theory about what Facebook should be in the world.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conception. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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