idea

noun

ī-ˈdē-ə 
Definition of idea
1
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
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 Below are some outfit ideas and ways in which fashion pros will be wearing their balloon jeans this fall. — Lucía Tejo, Glamour, 22 Aug. 2026 See y’all next week, with more ideas that keep TV lovers awake at night. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026 However, executive producer Anthony King has lowered the sails on that idea. — Peter White, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026 These ideas reveal our true identity, quiet fear, bring healing, and assure us of Love’s ever-present care for all. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 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
  • Georgia is the most recent state to endorse the concept that’s been percolating across the country in recent years.
    — Jason Armesto, AJC.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • For Lush’s head of concepts and collaborations Kalem Brinkworth, the intensity of the group’s fandom was a surprise.
    — Kati Chitrakorn, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of concept
Noun
  • These were followed by black- and silver-dial models retaining the dual-color bezel.
    — Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Shortly after, Claude developer Anthropic said its AI models hacked into the systems of three organizations independently during a private security experiment.
    — Tom Matsuda, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of model
Noun
  • Officers have been accused of using the technology to track people in their families and personal lives rather than for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
    — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Its sturdy purpose is to guide and tow larger vessels through locks and busy lanes.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Brad Biggs' 10 thoughts with one preseason game remaining and a host of roster moves looming.
    — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Gemini May 21 – June 20 A small home reset can make your private thoughts easier to sort.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of thought
Noun
  • That’s made the industry one of the most visible examples of how China’s breakneck AI transformation is impacting people’s livelihoods — wiping out jobs and creating new ones, leaving everyone unsure what’s next.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • As an example of the ceiling and command issues at odds with each other so far, Schoolcraft struck out a career-high nine batters in 3⅔ innings in a loss on May 29 and walked as many as six in four innings of a no-decision on July 31.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of example
Noun
  • Samuel Eto’o, who recently told CNN Sports in an exclusive interview that Infantino hasn’t done anything wrong and actually called for the controversial plan that caused this tumultuous situation to be revisited.
    — Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Choose one repeatable step, book it into your calendar, and let consistency make the plan more possible.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of plan
Noun
  • None of these ideas were invented by Instagram or by women alone; the concept of the attention economy dates to the early 1970s, and the notion that no press is bad press has existed since the 19th century.
    — Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
  • What’s most difficult about this is the notion it was never supposed to be this way.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of notion
Noun
  • In other parts of the West, officials have rethought their green and grassy ideals, such as in Nevada in 2021 where lawmakers banned decorative grass.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 23 Aug. 2026
  • When people speak about what makes living in Los Angeles ideal, discussion often gravitates toward the weather or the proximity to beaches, deserts or mountains.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of ideal

Browse Nearby Words

ID cards
idea
ideal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idea. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on idea

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about idea

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 28

Why do we say 'break a leg'?
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All