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idea

[ahy-dee-uh, ahy-deeuh] / aɪˈdi ə, aɪˈdiə /


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.

He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and rejected the idea that he knew anything about Epstein's illegal activity.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

During the heyday of the Estadio Azteca, the idea was for Mexico to beat their rivals before they ever kicked off.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

The latest findings strengthen the idea that ancient people, not natural forces, were responsible for moving the enormous stone across challenging terrain.

From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026

That festival idea formally and informally has been a thread throughout Dudamel’s 17 L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

“For practice,” Trey added, as if that made the idea any more reasonable.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith




Vocabulary lists containing idea


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