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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.

Last month, the European Union’s foreign-polcy chief, Kaja Kallas, said she discussed the idea of replicating the Black Sea model in the Strait of Hormuz with U.N.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

"The idea that this small compound, which people have barely heard of, plays such an important role, is fascinating."

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

Beneath the excess, there is a solid idea: smoke, spice, cream, pasta.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

Phil at Disney last month that the orchestra suddenly sprang the idea of a residency beginning almost immediately with the 2026-27 season, even though the Bowl and fall seasons are already planned.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

She’d come up with the idea for their first post and later been integral to their first efforts going viral.

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