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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.

“I think American society is particularly in love with this idea of the hero story,” Fixson says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

After spending a lovely, much-needed night together, Mag floats the idea of her moving in.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

It’s the idea that anyone, even someone with no coding background, can use A.I. tools like Claude Code to program for them.

From Slate • Apr. 5, 2026

"There is nothing off limits - I don't like the idea of a filtered version of ourselves, it's not true, authentic or real," he reflects.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

“I’m so glad you’re here! I had an idea and wanted to ask you a favor. A big one.”

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.