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.

Biffa, the UK's largest waste company, has put forward the figure of £5, but that would be subject to consultation if the idea progresses.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Kamala Harris floated the idea only weeks ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

Nunez dismissed the idea, saying it would "tie up almost half of the security deployment".

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

Despite years of investigation, neither idea has received strong experimental confirmation.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

I’m mortified by this, mortified that Theo could hear me and mortified even more by the idea that he could hear me doing something I wasn’t even aware I was doing.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

idea

Usage

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing idea

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

List 1

Common Core Grade 6, List 1

idea

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing idea

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

List 1

Common Core Grade 6, List 1