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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.

The 32-year-old pop star reframed the idea of a headlining Coachella performance.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

"It was just this trunk of films that seemed too good to throw away. But I had no idea what they were or how to show them," McFarland told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

The idea that meaningful and attentive engagement could come from averting your gaze may seem counterintuitive, but it translates to other basic forms of human interaction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

"I am dumbstruck. I feel deeply hurt and insulted. How can they conduct the elections without solving our disputes? I simply have no idea who to seek justice from," Ali told the BBC.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Aunt Tess looks like she wants to say something more to me, but I can’t stand the idea of lectures, or of someone else telling me how I should or shouldn’t feel about France.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Vocabulary lists containing idea

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

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List 1

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Common Core Grade 6, List 1

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