Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

idea

[ahy-dee-uh, ahy-deeuh] / aɪˈdi ə, aɪˈdiə /
NOUN
a conception or thought.
Synonyms
STRONGEST
belief concept conception conclusion design feeling form intention interpretation meaning notion objective opinion perception plan scheme sense solution suggestion theory thought understanding view
STRONG
aim approximation brainstorm clue conviction doctrine essence estimate fancy flash guess hint hypothesis import impression inkling intimation judgment object pattern purpose reason significance suspicion teaching viewpoint
Antonyms
STRONGEST
reality thing
STRONG
insignificance measurement truth

Usage

What are other ways to say idea? The noun 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. 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. Conception suggests a thought that seems complete, individual, recent, or somewhat intricate: The architect's conception delighted them. Notion suggests a fleeting, vague, or imperfect thought: a bare notion of how to proceed.

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.

That idea is why nontraded funds reserve the right to cap redemptions at 5%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

If you’ve only been in town for a short time, you have no idea what is going on outside those walls.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

In this idea, whatever is causing the discrepancy changes how it behaves depending on the surrounding environment.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2026

The reality genre has faded from its peak, and streaming has erased the idea of appointment TV.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

Thus, the idea that this unwelcome stranger would bring mayhem to their delicate balance was detestable.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Vocabulary lists containing idea

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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!

List 1

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!

Common Core Grade 6, List 1

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!