thought
12 synonyms for thought, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An idea or mental image formed in the mind.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use thought
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
on second thought
food for thought
give it some thought
a train of thought
Etymology
From Old English þōht, related to the verb "think" — it is literally the noun form of thinking.
Full origin of thought →Frequently asked questions
What does “thought” mean?
The word “thought” means an idea or mental image formed in the mind. In plain terms, something you think, or the act of thinking itself.
How do you pronounce “thought”?
“Thought” is pronounced thawt (/θɔt/ in IPA).
How do you use “thought” in a sentence?
Here is “thought” used in a sentence: “A strange thought crossed her mind as she read the letter.”
What part of speech is “thought”?
“Thought” is a noun.
Where does the word “thought” come from?
The word “thought” comes from Old English. From Old English þōht, related to the verb "think" — it is literally the noun form of thinking.
Is “thought” a common word?
“Thought” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “thought” have?
“Thought” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an idea or mental image formed in the mind.
What is the difference between a thought and an idea?
A thought is any single item that passes through the mind — a mental image, impression, or fleeting reflection. An idea is usually more developed and purposeful: a thought aimed at a plan, solution, or concept. Every idea begins as a thought, but not every passing thought becomes a fully formed idea.
Can thoughts be controlled?
To some degree. Individual thoughts often arise automatically and cannot be stopped from appearing, but you can choose which ones to focus on, question, or let go. Practices such as mindfulness and cognitive techniques train people to observe their thoughts without being controlled by them, giving greater influence over their mental habits over time.
What are the different types of thoughts?
Thoughts take many forms. Some are mental images or memories, others are inner speech or verbal reasoning. People also experience spontaneous thoughts that pop up unbidden, deliberate thoughts used for problem-solving, and emotional thoughts tied to feelings. Psychologists often distinguish automatic thoughts from reflective ones we consciously direct.
