NOTION Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

notion

noun

ˈnō-shən

Definition of notion next

as in novelties

notions plural small useful items the fabric store had a wide variety of thread, pins, buttons, and other notions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in whim

a sudden impulsive and apparently unmotivated idea or action I have a notion to go in-line skating this afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in belief

an idea that is believed to be true or valid without positive knowledge has this naive notion that most people are basically honest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fact
truth

as in idea

something imagined or pictured in the mind that modernistic building does not match my notion of what a country cottage should look like

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in concept

an idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation the popular notion that college athletes are airheads

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun notion contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of notion are conception, concept, idea, impression, 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)," 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 concept a more appropriate choice than notion?

The words concept and notion can be used in similar contexts, but 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, in the sense of notion?

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 might idea be a better fit than notion?

While in some cases nearly identical to notion, 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

Where would impression be a reasonable alternative to notion?

The words impression and notion 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

When can thought be used instead of notion?

In some situations, the words thought and notion are roughly equivalent. 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 notion 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 Formation of the Crypto Council within the White House would likely cement the notion that the Trump Administration is elevating crypto as a national priority. —

Jason Brett, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 Show more Freeman, asked this week about facing the Buckeyes, quickly shot down the notion that his heart lies anywhere but South Bend. —

Andrew Greif, NBC News, 21 Jan. 2025 Biden's team dismisses the notion that Trump's impending return helped clinch the deal. —

Neal Rothschild, Axios, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for notion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for notion

Noun

While the political theater surrounding Trump’s calls for rate cuts will continue, the broader discussion should focus on building a future that doesn’t depend on the whims of central bankers but instead embraces a sound, fair, and forward-looking financial system.

— Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Puerto Ricans are simply beholden to the whims of U.S. policymakers.

— Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025