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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.

Bottom line: It’s probably a bad idea to make too many permanent changes to an apartment without the landlord’s knowledge.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

“It’s the idea that whoever dominates memory supply can dominate AI,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

In the race to replace Councilmember Curren Price in South L.A, at least three candidates — community organizer Estuardo Mazariegos, council aide Jose Ugarte and education nonprofit director Elmer Roldan — favor the idea.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

This supports the idea that exercise is a safe and reliable treatment option for knee osteoarthritis.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

“This theme was her idea and then she can’t even be bothered to show up!”

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Vocabulary lists containing idea

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

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List 1

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Common Core Grade 6, List 1

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