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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.

While the idea was influential, it remained unproven because carbenes were known to be too unstable, especially in water, to capture or study.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2026

So she’s laid out the steps: One, he had absolutely no idea what he was talking about in terms of what those stops are like.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

If the idea of moving into a university retirement community intrigues you, take these steps before signing a contract:

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Given recent geopolitical events, that debt-swap idea may be even more unlikely.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

“I could be completely mistaken. But I can’t help but get the oddest sense that your father didn’t believe it was a good idea for you to go to France.”

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Vocabulary lists containing idea

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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List 1

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Common Core Grade 6, List 1

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