Synonyms

ideate

American

[ahy-dee-eyt, ahy-dee-eyt, ahy-dee-eyt, ahy-dee-it] / ˈaɪ diˌeɪt, aɪˈdi eɪt, ˈaɪ diˌeɪt, aɪˈdi ɪt /

verb (used with object)

ideated, ideating

to form an idea, thought, or image of.

verb (used without object)

ideated, ideating

to form ideas; think.

noun

ideatum.

ideate British

/ ˈaɪdɪˌeɪt /

verb

(tr) to form or have an idea of; to imagine or conceive

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

ideation noun
ideative adjective
unideated adjective
unideating adjective

Etymology

Origin of ideate

First recorded in 1600–10; ide(a) + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Maher said he was sculpting to ideate on this new version of the character when he accidentally punched a hole in the figure’s torso.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2025

In a similar vein, the "Star Wars" TV extensions suffer from an unwillingness to abandon well-traveled canon and ideate fresh approaches.

From Salon • Jul. 19, 2024

It's always been a little easier for me to ideate "cold-weather meals" when it comes time to use up pantry staples.

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2022

I write on my computer, but I ideate in the sketchbook.

From The Verge • Sep. 7, 2018

A false school of psychology would say that the infant’s brain cannot yet ideate; but that is incorrect language.

From Moral Principles and Medical Practice The Basis of Medical Jurisprudence by Coppens, Charles

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023