Definition of thinknext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word think distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of think are conceive, envisage, envision, fancy, imagine, and realize. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," think implies the entrance of an idea into one's mind with or without deliberate consideration or reflection.

I just thought of a good joke

When is it sensible to use conceive instead of think?

Although the words conceive and think have much in common, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How do envisage and envision relate to one another, in the sense of think?

Both envisage and envision imply a conceiving or imagining that is especially clear or detailed.

envisaged a totally computerized operation
envisioned a cure for the disease

When is fancy a more appropriate choice than think?

The synonyms fancy and think are sometimes interchangeable, but fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When might imagine be a better fit than think?

The words imagine and think can be used in similar contexts, but imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When can realize be used instead of think?

In some situations, the words realize and think are roughly equivalent. However, realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

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 think Why Brad Neely thinks artists should embrace errors. Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026 To be sure, Scott Rubner of Citadel Securities thinks the backdrop remains favorable for stocks, as most corporate blackout periods end and companies can issue buybacks. Fred Imbert, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026 This, the Twins think, is a benefit both to López, who underwent Tommy John surgery this spring, and his teammates, who can learn from having the veteran pitcher around. Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026 Phil always thought of us as a gang. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for think
Recent Examples of Synonyms for think
Verb
  • There is the lamb-like dreamer, Wesley So, and the trollish Hikaru Nakamura, who believes that his unprecedented success as a streamer has secured him a greater legacy than any prestigious chess title would.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The University of Massachusetts poll, fielded among 1,000 Americans, found 74% believe there are more things uniting them than dividing them.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Frey keeps hitters guessing because of his rare ability to throw five different pitches for strikes.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • However, plenty of people show no signs at all, which is why blood testing matters more than guessing.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • But dismantling polluting industries, trying to clean up our air and our water, and imagining a health care system not driven by profit would take coordinated, radical restructuring.
    Hannah Kerman, STAT, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Just imagine Bill Belichick and Rob Gronkowski smashing vodka Red Bulls and partying it up.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If the particular coat isn’t available anymore, consider a gift card.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Las Vegas has depth at the edge, making the Auburn product an interesting pick considering needs like offensive line, defensive tackle and wide receiver are still unfilled.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This conversation feels integral to the treatment but interrupt the experience.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • But in the end, the selection of Daniels felt more like fate than a gut reaction.
    Nate Atkins, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Think.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/think. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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