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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.

Regardless, United CEO Scott Kirby pitched the idea of a potential tie-up between to senior officials just days before the Iran war began, Bloomberg reported late Monday.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

“It was very moving and helped us solidify the idea that we’re no longer three stores—we’re one store working together,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

In classical physics, the idea of memory is straightforward.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

Maybe the cruise would have been a better idea after all.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Indeed, the idea of a nice, short rest was alluring.

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

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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