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 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 In Second Nature, scientists theorize that Darwin couldn’t help but impose his own heterosexual ideations on animal reproduction, mainly that animals only copulate for the purposes of reproduction, with males being the aggressors and females fluttering their eyelids behind lace fans, or something. — Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026 Proper was taken to a hospital, the complaint said, where law enforcement submitted an application for an emergency admission based on his homicidal ideations. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ideation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ideation
  1. creativity
  2. imagination
  3. imaginativeness
Noun
  • Both songs, like much of Ono’s musical and visual work, underline and encourage community, humanity, and creativity in everyone while simultaneously excoriating a pervasive malevolence.
    — Katherine Turman, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
  • High school seniors are embracing nostalgic backpacks as a way to reflect on their childhood and express creativity.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of creativity
Noun
  • And with a resume of iconic roles that have encouraged creativity, imagination and bravery, Andrews says exploring her own voice through literature has been rewarding.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026
  • What's captured many people's imagination, though, is how the whole thing unfolded.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 11 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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