Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun idea

5 senses of idea

Sense 1
idea, thought -- (the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about; "it was not a good idea"; "the thought never entered my mind")
       => content, cognitive content, mental object -- (the sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned)

Sense 2
mind, idea -- (your intention; what you intend to do; "he had in mind to see his old teacher"; "the idea of the game is to capture all the pieces")
       => purpose, intent, intention, aim, design -- (an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions; "his intent was to provide a new translation"; "good intentions are not enough"; "it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs"; "he made no secret of his designs")

Sense 3
idea -- (a personal view; "he has an idea that we don't like him")
       => opinion, sentiment, persuasion, view, thought -- (a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty; "my opinion differs from yours"; "I am not of your persuasion"; "what are your thoughts on Haiti?")

Sense 4
estimate, estimation, approximation, idea -- (an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth; "an estimate of what it would cost"; "a rough idea how long it would take")
       => calculation, computation, figuring, reckoning -- (problem solving that involves numbers or quantities)

Sense 5
theme, melodic theme, musical theme, idea -- ((music) melodic subject of a musical composition; "the theme is announced in the first measures"; "the accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it")
       => tune, melody, air, strain, melodic line, line, melodic phrase -- (a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence; "she was humming an air from Beethoven")