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Definitions

notion

[noh-shuhn] / ˈnoʊ ʃən /
NOUN
belief, idea
Synonyms
STRONGEST
approach assumption concept conception image impression knowledge opinion perception sentiment suggestion thought understanding view
STRONG
angle apprehension awareness clue comprehension conceit consciousness consideration cue discernment flash hint imagination inclination indication inkling insight intellection intimation intuition judgment penetration slant spark telltale twist wind wrinkle
Antonyms
STRONGEST
being concrete reality
STRONG
ignorance misunderstanding stupidity unconsciousness
WEAK
need
NOUN
whim, desire
Synonyms
STRONGEST
impulse wish
STRONG
caprice conceit fancy humor imagination inclination
Antonyms
STRONG
reality truth
WEAK
need

Usage

What are other ways to say notion? The noun notion suggests a fleeting, vague, or imperfect thought: a bare notion of how to proceed. 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.  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. Conception suggests a thought that seems complete, individual, recent, or somewhat intricate: The architect's conception delighted them.

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.

In its primordial form, liberalism was a political belief that the building block of society is the individual—an idea tethered loosely to the Christian notion that every single human being contains a divine spark.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The notion of having to seek permission or paying to use an international waterway that they previously used for free and without condition will stretch those states’ tolerance, Oxford Analytica said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

The Psychology of Women Quarterly study shows just how much the notion of chivalry is actually a myth.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

"Rebuilding Alcatraz into a modern prison is a stupid notion that would be nothing more than a waste of taxpayer dollars and an insult to the intelligence of the American people."

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Seven months ago, Helen was attending her high school graduation and seven months ago I’d skipped my own to run to France under some misguided notion that I was proving something.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Vocabulary lists containing notion

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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

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