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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.

By graduation in 1996, however, I was leaning toward acting but had no idea how to get there.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Maybe the cruise would have been a better idea after all.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Not only do his friends have no idea he exists, but his girlfriend MJ -- played by Zendaya -- has a new love interest.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Bloomberg News reported that United CEO Scott Kirby has floated the idea to unnamed officials and that it was unclear whether an approach has been made to the rival airline.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

“For practice,” Trey added, as if that made the idea any more reasonable.

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

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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