the idea
noun
: the central meaning or purpose of something : goal or intention
The whole idea of the game is to keep from getting caught.
The idea is to get people to attend.
Examples of the idea in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In an interview with The Hill on Monday, Fine welcomed the idea of attaching that proposal to a broader budget reconciliation bill.
—
Mike Lillis, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2026
But the idea is that over time, that kind of data loses its present-day implications and can eventually be unveiled to offer a snapshot of yesterday.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
And just hang out with your friends and don’t be afraid of people, because the idea of being perceived all the time is really scary.
—Charlie Harding, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
So far, nearby residents seem to have supported the idea.
—Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the idea
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Mike Lillis, The Hill, 28 Apr. 2026
But the idea is that over time, that kind of data loses its present-day implications and can eventually be unveiled to offer a snapshot of yesterday.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
And just hang out with your friends and don’t be afraid of people, because the idea of being perceived all the time is really scary.
—Charlie Harding, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
So far, nearby residents seem to have supported the idea.
—Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the idea
Cite this Entry
“The idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20idea. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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