CONCEPTION Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

conception

noun

kən-ˈsep-shən

Definition of conception next

as in concept

an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation the false conception that wheelchair users are homebound and helpless

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in idea

something imagined or pictured in the mind our changing conceptions of what constitutes art

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 There has also simply been less scientific inquiry dedicated to other methods of conception since the emergence of IVF in 1978. —

Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2024 Ananda in the Himalayas recognized that approximately one in sic women worldwide planning conception experience infertility, and has launched 14- and 21-day Fertility Enhancement programs rooted in Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and transpersonal psychology. —

Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Dec. 2024 In practice, that translates to faster auto development cycles, where innovations move quickly from conception to design to the road. —

Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 12 Dec. 2024 This blueprint outlines timelines, budgets and key milestones, serving as a roadmap to guide the entire process from conception to market launch. —

Stephen Belcher, Forbes, 12 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