Synonym Chooser

How does the noun conception contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of conception are concept, 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)," 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 can concept be used instead of conception?

Although the words concept and conception have much in common, 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

When might idea be a better fit than conception?

The meanings of idea and conception largely overlap; however, 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 is impression a more appropriate choice than conception?

While the synonyms impression and conception are close in meaning, 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 conception?

The words notion and conception 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 is it sensible to use thought instead of conception?

The synonyms thought and conception are sometimes interchangeable, but thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

Examples 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 conception From the December 2014 issue: Jonathan Rauch on the real roots of midlife crisis Today’s conceptions of old age and retirement are modern inventions. Jonathan Rauch, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024 The country offers lower costs and a simplified process for prospective parents, including parental rights from conception, without court proceedings. Lili Rutai, The Dial, 7 Jan. 2025 Arguably, no other single work of literature has done more to establish our modern conception of Santa Clause. Erik Kain, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 And considering that Macbeth helped popularize our modern-day conception of witches, well, Rowan (Alexandra Daddario) might want to be prepared for new horrors. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conception 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conception
Noun
  • This rise places them among an elite group of startups worldwide and shows the growing interest in the once-fantastical concept of de-extinction.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Clients benefit from seamless collaboration, as the firm oversees every aspect of a project, from initial concept to final construction, and even procurement of furnishings and artwork.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • As shown in the small bedroom ideas above, other great uses of vertical space include wall sconces, bunk beds, and loft areas.
    Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The Guardian Australia reported that his role had been significantly reduced in scope following the appointment of new ABC Chair Kim Williams, who removed his radio and digital responsibilities and reportedly has different ideas about documentary output.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • By spotlighting women across all sectors of the business, the She Rocks Awards continues to challenge stereotypes and dismantle barriers.
    Holly Alvarado, Orange County Register, 25 Jan. 2025
  • In Odd One Out, a group of similar people tries to root out a mole, thereby examining individual stereotypes (for example, a group of straight guys tries to identify the secretly gay one).
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The hilltop monument wasn’t anywhere near the destructive blazes that night — the fires were too busy destroying residential communities then — but the thought pulled focus from real relief efforts.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Here were the highs and lows of Dallas’ first 41 games, plus some thoughts as the Feb. 6 trade deadline draws closer.
    Christian Clark, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Like an adult version of the Heathers of Heathers, the trio are bound by a notion of friendship that is stronger than the truth it is based on.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Not all of these movies have made money, but all of them bask in the glow of success, heralding the notion that the business is confident of doing well while doing good.
    Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Having goals can create the impression that decisions are being made based on race or gender.
    Emily Peck, Axios, 15 Jan. 2025
  • The song’s coronation on Regional Mexican Airplay comes after a 14% gain in audience impressions, to 7.7 million, logged in the tracking week of Jan. 3-9, according to Luminate.
    Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • All three men were national and international icons whose assassinations — and the theories swirling around them — became the stuff of books, movies, controversy, and the pages of history itself.
    Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The theory dates to An Emerging Democratic Majority, an influential 2002 book by political scientists John B. Judis and Ruy Teixeira.
    Jane Hong / Made by History, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near conception

Cite this Entry

“Conception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conception. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conception

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