Another word for think
The best other words for think are deem, reflect, conceive and opine.
- Most formal
- deem, ruminate, opine
- Strongest
- deliberate, ruminate, brood
- Casual
- reckon, figure, dream up
- Instead of “I think”
- I believe, I feel, I guess
Think /θɪŋk/ (verb): to use your mind to form ideas, judge something, or consider what may be true. In simple words: to have an opinion or idea in your mind. Below are 29 rated synonyms across 4 senses, plus 27 more related words. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
29 synonyms shown
Form an opinion · verb
believe or judge something
Consider carefully · verb
reflect on a problem or idea
Have an idea · verb
use the mind to imagine or come up with something
Be of the opinion · verb
say or indicate what you think
Find the right strength and register
Drag the amber target to how strong and how formal you need the word to be. The three closest synonyms light up.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- believe — focuses on accepting something as true
- suppose — weaker, more tentative than think
- reckon — informal, especially in British and American speech
The dashed ring marks “think” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.
Synonyms for think in your sentence
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How to choose
Choose the synonym that matches both the kind of thinking and the register. Think is the safest all-purpose word; more formal choices like opine, contemplate, and deem fit writing, while casual choices like reckon and figure sound natural in speech.
Antonyms of think
- doubt
- disbelieve
- ignore
- forget
- misjudge
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| believe | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| suppose | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| reckon | 3/5 | casual | casual |
| figure | 3/5 | casual | casual, business |
| consider | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| deem | 3/5 | academic | academic, business |
| judge | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| reflect | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, casual |
| ponder | 3/5 | formal | creative, academic, casual |
| contemplate | 3/5 | formal | academic, creative |
| deliberate | 4/5 | formal | academic, business |
| muse | 2/5 | formal | creative, casual |
| ruminate | 4/5 | academic | academic, creative |
| brood | 4/5 | neutral | casual, creative |
| weigh | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| imagine | 2/5 | neutral | academic, creative, casual |
| conceive | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| envision | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| visualize | 3/5 | neutral | academic, creative, casual |
| dream up | 2/5 | casual | casual, creative |
| devise | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| invent | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative |
| opine | 3/5 | academic | academic, business |
| state | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| argue | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| claim | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| maintain | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| insist | 4/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| contend | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
Instead of “very think”
One precise word usually beats an intensifier. See the full words instead of “very” list.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| I think | I believe, I feel, I guess |
| I think that | I believe that, I’d say that, I’m of the view that |
| I think so | probably, I believe so, I guess so |
More words related to think
Looser matches and phrases, unrated. Check the sense before you swap one in, or compare it with “think”.
- feel
- hold
- be convinced
- be sure
- be under the impression
- take it
- view
- regard
- see
- estimate
- suspect
- guess
- presume
- assume
- deduce
- infer
- reason
- cogitate
- brainstorm
- work out
- come up with
- get the idea
- be of the view
- have the impression
- come to the conclusion
- form the view
- opinionate
Questions about synonyms for think
What is the most formal or academic synonym for think?
It depends on the sense. For formal opinion-making, deem, opine, or contend are better than think; for deep reflection, contemplate or ruminate are more academic.
What is a stronger or milder alternative to think?
For a milder, less certain alternative, use suppose or reckon. For a stronger alternative in opinion or assertion, use believe, maintain, or insist.
When should I not replace think with a synonym?
Avoid substitutions when think is just the natural, neutral choice in conversation. Many alternatives are narrower in meaning, more formal, or imply stronger confidence, so they can sound awkward if the nuance is off.
What is a more formal word for think?
In careful writing, people often use "believe," "maintain," or "hold" instead of "think." "Deem" can also sound formal, but it is less common in everyday speech.
What can I say instead of think when I am not completely sure?
Use words like "guess," "suspect," "assume," or "presume" if you are not certain. These suggest less confidence than "think."