the idea
noun
: the central meaning or purpose of something : goal or intention
The whole idea of the game is to keep from getting caught.
The idea is to get people to attend.
Examples of the idea in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In my view, Democrats haven’t fully grasped the idea that immigrants have conservative tendencies.
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Basel Touchan, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
Among the topics was the idea of education savings accounts (ESAs), a voucher-like program that would divert public funds to private schools.
—Quintin Shepherd, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Universities communicate the idea in ways that are indirect, but powerful.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Multiple Republican senators — including Tillis and McConnell, not just Collins and Murkowski — have already publicly come out against the idea of recess appointments.
—Tia Yang, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the idea 
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Basel Touchan, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
Among the topics was the idea of education savings accounts (ESAs), a voucher-like program that would divert public funds to private schools.
—Quintin Shepherd, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Universities communicate the idea in ways that are indirect, but powerful.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Multiple Republican senators — including Tillis and McConnell, not just Collins and Murkowski — have already publicly come out against the idea of recess appointments.
—Tia Yang, ABC News, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the idea
Dictionary Entries Near the idea
Cite this Entry
“The idea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20idea. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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