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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 Brettlers had no idea that, like Dickens’s John Harmon, their son was living under a false identity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The thought that the Dodgers lineup matches up well against the Team USA lineup presents a marketing idea for Major League Baseball.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Zelensky had previously proposed swapping Ukrainian drone warfare technology for the advanced air defence missile ammunition -- though that idea appeared to gain little traction.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Baker, who is a fan of the Glastonbury 2022 headliner, had no idea Eilish had ordered the print as it was purchased under a different name.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

When my head breaks the surface I have no idea where I am in relation to the others, but it doesn’t matter.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam