Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for idea. Search instead for idei.
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 is to put cases on a "fast track".

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

“The idea that Lebanon was sold separately on the cease-fire discussions was probably the biggest thorn in the side of investors coming into today,” said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth Management.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

His version of disdain is her idea of a fortune.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

The European Union was quick to denounce the idea Thursday.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

“You said yourself the Afterlife is wonderful. Better than here, you said! What happened to the idea that you were helping her?”

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman