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.

"I had anxiety and overwhelm, my stress levels were through the roof. I was having anger fits that I had no idea why," she said.

From BBC

But she said she strongly supported the idea of a uniform preparing children to both learn and represent the school.

From BBC

Officials said this realisation - that previous commitments would not cover rising defence costs and existing bills – was driving the idea of bringing forward the spending plans.

From BBC

They still had no idea how terrible it could be to spend hours of every day with their ex.

From The Wall Street Journal

“When I know, you guys will know. I don’t know. I have no idea. I just want to live. That’s all.”

From Los Angeles Times

idea

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words