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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.

The idea of a partnership with Oman to operate the Strait of Hormuz is a "not a fantasy", Amir Handjari of the US-based Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft argued in an op-ed on Tuesday.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Other Arab nations have proposed using frozen Iranian oil funds in Qatar and elsewhere to finance Iran’s rebuilding efforts, an idea Iran is open to.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

It may be enough for stocks to rally off of the idea that the U.S. and Iran are working toward a resolution to the conflict.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

When Uefa devised this system, it believed the idea of 11 teams from one country qualifying for Europe was so far-fetched as to be barely worth mentioning.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“I have had an idea, Elizabeth, in the night, a wonderful idea, a grand idea. A secret.”

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo