idea

noun

ī-ˈdē-ə

-ˈdēə,

also

ˈī-(ˌ)dē-ə

or ˈī-dē

Synonyms of idea next

: a formulated thought or opinion

: whatever is known or supposed about something

a child's idea of time

: the central meaning or chief end of a particular action or situation

: a plan for action : design

: a standard of perfection : ideal

: a transcendent entity that is a real pattern of which existing things are imperfect representations

: an entity (such as a thought, concept, sensation, or image) actually or potentially present to consciousness

: an indefinite or unformed conception

obsolete : an image recalled by memory

Christian Science : an image in Mind

archaic : a visible representation of a conception : a replica of a pattern

idealess

ī-ˈdē-ə-ləs

-ˈdēə-

also ˈī-(ˌ)dē-ə-

or ˈī-dē-

adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for idea

idea, concept, conception, thought, notion, impression mean what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan).

idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed.

innovative ideas

my idea of paradise

concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be.

a society with no concept of private property

conception is often interchangeable with concept; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result.

our changing conception of what constitutes art

thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

Example Sentences

My idea is to study law. Starting her own business seemed like a good idea at the time, but it turned out badly. Whose idea was it to leave so early? My idea was that if we left early we could beat the crowd. Buying the car was a bad idea. I have some ideas for redecorating the room. He has an idea for a movie. I'm not sure what to do next. Do you have any ideas? She's always full of new ideas. It's a good idea to talk to people who have actually been there. See More

Recent Examples on the Web These ideas about mothers and families were also shared by some of the most prominent public intellectuals of the time in the fields of psychiatry and psychology. —

Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 14 June 2023 To get an idea of its current value, Corcoran is currently advertising two listings for units in the same building. —

Byalena Botros, Fortune, 14 June 2023 Roberts regards race as an invidious distinction whose time has passed rather than as a living idea that can build group identity and solidarity. —

David Shih, The New Republic, 14 June 2023 To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert atrichard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. —

Richard Obert, The Arizona Republic, 13 June 2023 Clean Virginia opposes that idea, saying utilities in the state have been allowed to create a monopoly that has been harmful to the environment while driving up consumer costs. —

Antonio Olivo, Washington Post, 13 June 2023 This is because the populations-as-generations idea is a little bit more literal than just a metaphor. —

Jackie Appel, Popular Mechanics, 13 June 2023 Taking the time to finally get down to business, gather the best garage organization ideas, and clean your garage from top to bottom can be hard to do — or at least hard to prioritize. —

Olivia Muenter, Woman's Day, 13 June 2023 Here are no-grass backyard ideas that make maintenance a snap in any season. 01 Design For Drought This idyllic Austin property, designed with Texas heat in mind, uses hardy, drought-tolerant plants and pea gravel to replace thirsty turf. —

Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 13 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'idea.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.