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Definitions

notion

[noh-shuhn] / ˈnoʊ ʃən /
NOUN
belief, idea
Synonyms
STRONGEST
approach assumption concept conception image impression knowledge opinion perception sentiment suggestion thought understanding view
STRONG
angle apprehension awareness clue comprehension conceit consciousness consideration cue discernment flash hint imagination inclination indication inkling insight intellection intimation intuition judgment penetration slant spark telltale twist wind wrinkle
Antonyms
STRONGEST
being concrete reality
STRONG
ignorance misunderstanding stupidity unconsciousness
WEAK
need
NOUN
whim, desire
Synonyms
STRONGEST
impulse wish
STRONG
caprice conceit fancy humor imagination inclination
Antonyms
STRONG
reality truth
WEAK
need

Usage

What are other ways to say notion? The noun notion suggests a fleeting, vague, or imperfect thought: a bare notion of how to proceed. 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.  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. Conception suggests a thought that seems complete, individual, recent, or somewhat intricate: The architect's conception delighted them.

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.

The solution to this problem may lie in the notion of seamful design.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

"Rebuilding Alcatraz into a modern prison is a stupid notion that would be nothing more than a waste of taxpayer dollars and an insult to the intelligence of the American people."

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

This notion of a relentless, unshakable personal history serves as the novel’s through line: Try as they might, none of its characters can avoid the fallout of mistakes and misdeeds committed long ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

He also dismissed any notion that a ground war would be a “cakewalk” and said it would be “extremely costly,” even under the best circumstances.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

And, anyhow, Jonah had had some vague notion that disability checks came from the government, not private businesses.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

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