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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.

“We speak with resorts from all over North America. At any given time, some are considering, even bouncing the idea around.”

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

While the idea was influential, it remained unproven because carbenes were known to be too unstable, especially in water, to capture or study.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

If the idea of moving into a university retirement community intrigues you, take these steps before signing a contract:

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Given recent geopolitical events, that debt-swap idea may be even more unlikely.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

We were letting the soldiers man the switchboards because I hadn’t been able to face the idea of going back into that room.

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

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!