Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

The notion is expressed in the survey results, which found wide variation in how faculty members mention AI use in syllabuses or whether they encourage or discourage AI in classes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

It's true that Scotland should be beyond the point of just being happy going to the World Cup - and these players are way past that notion.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

"Apple was founded on the simple notion that technology should be personal, and that belief -- radical at the time -- changed everything," chief executive Tim Cook said in an anniversary letter posted online.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

“Markets are seizing with both hands any notion that this war will not intensify further and drag out longer and land the global economy in a ditch,” analysts at Piper Sandler said in a note.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

He thought maybe he should act a little wacko, so everyone would believe that he’d been freaked out by the notion of being closed in, cut off from the outside world.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

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