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.

He noted that one idea about why animals might seek out ethanol is that its smell helps them locate foods that are richer in sugar and thus provide more energy.

From Science Daily

The list compiles JPMorgan analysts’ top ideas aligned with value, growth, income, and short selling investing strategies.

From Barron's

One big factor that supports the idea of leadership rotation is investor unease around some of the biggest themes — the artificial-intelligence trade, the “Magnificent Seven” group of megacap tech stocks and market concentration.

From MarketWatch

None of the new blackjack tables will be in Manhattan after earlier ideas to put casinos in the middle of Times Square or atop Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store were dropped.

From The Wall Street Journal

Buying your brother’s home is probably not a good idea if your sister is concerned about taxes, or if he is worried about Medicaid.

From MarketWatch

idea

Usage

Example Sentences

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