concept

noun

ˈkän-ˌsept How to pronounce concept (audio)
Definition of conceptnext
1
as in notion
an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation trying to change the public's concept of a nightly newscast

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in idea
something imagined or pictured in the mind a concept for a new kind of automobile that could revolutionize the industry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun concept contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concept are conception, idea, impression, notion, and thought. While all these words mean "what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan)," 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

How do conception and concept relate to one another?

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

When is it sensible to use idea instead of concept?

The synonyms idea and concept are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When would impression be a good substitute for concept?

The words impression and concept are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

Where would notion be a reasonable alternative to concept?

The words notion and concept can be used in similar contexts, but notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

When could thought be used to replace concept?

The meanings of thought and concept largely overlap; however, thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of concept The next goal is to expand the reach of the show without abandoning the original audience and concept. —Keyaira Boone, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025 The founders of Pita Jungle are adding Mexican flair to their iconic Mediterranean cuisine at their latest concept dubbed Feta Cowboy, which opened late last year. —Jessica Boehm, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025 Why a concept straight out of spy movies is a real threat. —Analisa Novak, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2025 In the play above, the Crimson Tide had a Sluggo/seam concept called. —Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for concept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concept
  1. notion
  2. idea
  3. conception
  4. thought
  5. stereotype
  6. impression
  7. theory
Noun
  • Thibodeau shot down the notion Anunoby will be resigned to spacing the floor in the corners once Brunson returns to the lineup.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Any specific test—the LSAT or ARC-AGI or a coding puzzle—will inherently contradict the notion of general intelligence; the term’s defining trait may be its undefinability.
    — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of notion
Noun
  • Jon Conahan of Athlon Sports recently pitched a blockbuster trade idea that would send Walker to the New York Mets this season.
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Dolly Parton’s cookbook, Good Lookin’ Cookin’, is filled with a year's worth of classic recipes and menu ideas.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of idea
Noun
  • The Space Launch System rocket cost taxpayers $23.8 billion since its conception in 2011, according to data from The Planetary Society.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Rogen says the idea to make the episode itself a oner became a funny meta joke-on-the-joke during the installment’s conception.
    — Nick Caruso, TVLine, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of conception
Noun
  • But when asked his thoughts on U.S. President Donald Trump’s politics during a press conference after the lineup announcement, Fremaux kept it diplomatic.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Drop a comment with your thoughts on the first half of 9-1-1: Contagion below.
    — Andy Swift, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of thought
Noun
  • Some of the members were introduced with nicknames, including Belle (who wore makeup associated with Latina stereotypes) as Lil Taco Belle, Natty as NT and Haneul as Bob Sky.
    — Jack Irvin, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • As a result of their high cash flow generation and low growth prospects, utilities have also correctly fallen into the high dividend payer stereotype.
    — Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of stereotype
Noun
  • My impression of bath mats, from years of owning ones that end up getting soggy on contact, was that there was little to nothing to do about mildew, puddles of water, and discoloration.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Caroline and Laina took first impressions to a whole new level, arriving in full lawyer attire.
    — Ashley Vega, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of impression
Noun
  • One of Hennigan’s leading theories is that the Grimes girls’ murders have a possible link to the 1955 murders of three young brothers, John, Anton, and Robert Schuessler, according to local WGN.
    — Sean Neumann, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Even if someone attempted to build one of the machines depicted in these blueprints, however, researchers point out that undecidability is a feature of physical theories and cannot literally exist in real experiments.
    — Charlie Wood, Wired News, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of theory

Browse Nearby Words

concentration camps
concept
conception
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Cite this Entry

“Concept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concept. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on concept

Nglish: Translation of concept for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about concept

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