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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.

I’d only seen the trailer for “The Girlfriend” at the time of the shoot but knew I wanted something that contained the idea of untrustworthy narrators that seemed to be threaded throughout.

From Los Angeles Times

Plus, customers have reached out with new ideas for products linked to specific “Peanuts” storylines.

From Los Angeles Times

Athena had made it home, but Benjamin’s mom had no idea where her son was being held.

From Los Angeles Times

“For introverts, that might come through as really thoughtful questions and deeply considered ideas.”

From The Wall Street Journal

"He had a really intense energy. He had this idea of himself. He was Timmy Supreme," the director said, admiring the actor's absolute confidence in his own talent.

From Barron's

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.