ideation

noun

ˌī-dē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce ideation (audio)
Definition of ideationnext
as in creativity
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others caregivers are trained to watch for signs of depression and suicidal ideation—some patients are likely to put their fantasies to action

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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 ideation To cope, Nick seems to be turning to alcohol, while Charlie continues to struggle with self-harm ideation and an eating disorder. — David MacK, CNN Money, 17 July 2026 In fact, research shows that talking openly about suicide is an important plank of prevention that can actually decrease suicidal thoughts and ideation. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 6 July 2026 The facility supports customers throughout the innovation cycle, from early-stage ideation to near-series prototyping, with capabilities spanning warp knitting, warp preparation and technical textiles. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 2 July 2026 Manufacturers then work on product ideation, which could take four to five months for a year-long project. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ideation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideation
  1. creativity
  2. imagination
  3. imaginativeness
Noun
  • Additionally, neurodivergent team members often bring high levels of creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience under pressure.
    — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Cole did worry that curators might overemphasize the diagnosis, that King would no longer be an artist but an autistic artist, and therefore a symbol of something—resilience, perhaps, or liberation through creativity.
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of creativity
Noun
  • Anna Watson’s lighting keeps much of the house just dim enough to make the imagination dangerous, while Tony winner Gareth Fry’s sound design surrounds the audience with ominous noises whose sources aren’t always immediately clear.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Still, the archetypal influencer in our cultural imagination is not a man reviewing watches on YouTube or hosting a podcast from his studio in Austin.
    — Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of imagination
Noun
  • There's also a palpable new seam of imaginativeness among residents.
    — Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2024
Definition of imaginativeness

Browse Nearby Words

ideating
ideation
ideational
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Cite this Entry

“Ideation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ideation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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