IDEA Synonyms: 130 Similar and Opposite Words

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 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 So little ideas like that just grow organically out of good characters that you are handed by the writers. —

Dalton Ross, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024 The brothers' father, Captain George Lang, encouraged them to pursue their big idea. —

Eric Noll, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2024 Photo : Peter Fox 1984: The 288 GTO kicks off the supercar era In the 1970s, turbocharging had gone from niche technology to a mainstream idea in the automotive world; Formula 1 had revealed how dominant turbo engines could be in racing, while Porsche’s 930 (a.k.a. —

Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2024 Citi reiterates Coca-Cola as buy Citi said the beverage company is a top idea in 2025. —

Michael Bloom, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for idea

Recent Examples of Synonyms for idea

Noun

The importance of age as a powerful marker of authority — a principle that derives from the influence of Confucianism in Korean society — is vividly on display as junior officers and rank-and-file soldiers are caught, sometimes tragically, between these concepts and their duty to the nation.

Richard Kuipers, Variety, 17 Dec. 2024
There’s an essential connection between the concepts of trust, followership, and authenticity.

Jack McCullough, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024