Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for idea. Search instead for ridea.
Definitions

idea

[ahy-dee-uh, ahy-deeuh] / aɪˈdi ə, aɪˈdiə /


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.

Koizumi refuted the idea that Japan was engaged in "new militarism" saying it was "nothing further from the truth".

From BBC • May 31, 2026

“The idea was to find ways to insert new homes in existing neighborhoods without disrupting the feel of the neighborhood, but providing lower-cost housing,” she says.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

Research published after the 2023 study has continued to support the idea that fasting can influence the gut microbiome, although the evidence remains complex.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

“Her saying she had no idea shocked all of us,” said Thomas.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

“It sounds like a great idea, and totally doable. Boat races, some food trucks, some carnival games.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam




Vocabulary lists containing idea


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "idea" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com