Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

conception

[kuhn-sep-shuhn] / kənˈsɛp ʃən /
NOUN
understanding; idea
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appreciation conceit concept impression interpretation notion perception realization
STRONG
apperception apprehension clue cognition comprehension consideration design dreaming explanation exposition fancy image inkling intellection meditation musing philosophizing picture plan representation speculation thought version
WEAK
cogitating communing concentrating considering deliberating envisaging fancying imagining meditating mental grasp speculating
Antonyms
STRONG
concrete fact ignorance misunderstanding reality truth
WEAK
abortion being death
NOUN
beginning, birth
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fertilization origin
STRONG
formation germination impregnation inception initiation insemination invention launching outset start
Antonyms
STRONG
conclusion end ending finish
WEAK
abortion being concrete death

Usage

What are other ways to say conception? The noun conception suggests a thought that seems complete, individual, recent, or somewhat intricate: The architect's conception delighted them. Thought, which reflects its primary emphasis on the mental process, may denote any concept except the more weighty and elaborate ones: I welcomed his thoughts on the subject. A thought came to him. Notion suggests a fleeting, vague, or imperfect thought: a bare notion of how to proceed. Idea, although it may refer to thoughts of any degree of seriousness or triviality, is commonly used for mental concepts considered more important or elaborate: We pondered the idea of the fourth dimension. The idea of his arrival frightened me.  

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

By chance, however, he'd ended up in the birthplace of hip-hop, right at the moment of conception.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Ultimately a conceptual architect, he occasionally suffers from the chronic weakness of the type, which is that the realization can be weaker than the conception.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

By God, let’s go with indie provocateur Gregg Araki’s conception of him: Robert Redford, a titan who hatched an independent film festival from his head like he was Zeus and passed away this September.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

The plaintiffs advanced a different conception of heightened scrutiny.

From Slate • Jan. 14, 2026

I had no conception of what saying yes to politics might mean for us later, once we’d added two children to the mix.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Vocabulary lists containing conception

Franklin Roosevelt, "Four Freedoms" (1941)

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Jane Eyre" -- Chapters I-IV

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Word Generation Weekly - Series 3

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!