Brainstorm: meaning, definitions and examples

Same word, often used interchangeably. Context remains the same.

• We should have a brainstorming session to come up with a new product name

This is more formal and often used in business or creative industries to describe the process of forming ideas.

• The ideation phase is crucial for our design team
• We are currently focused on ideation to innovate our services

An alternative to 'brainstorm', it is used to avoid any negative connotations associated with the word 'storm'. Common in more modern, sensitive, or inclusive settings.

• During the thought shower, we came up with many innovative ideas
• Let's have a thought shower to gather everyone's input

This refers to a group of experts dedicated to solving complex problems or discussing policies and strategies, often in academic or governmental settings.

• The government has formed a think tank to address climate change
• He works at a think tank that researches economic policies

Used when a group is generating a lot of ideas quickly to solve a problem or to develop new concepts.

• Let's brainstorm some new marketing strategies
• The team brainstormed for two hours and came up with several innovative solutions

Used mostly in formal, professional, or design thinking environments to describe the process of forming ideas or concepts.

• Before we start building the prototype, we need to ideate
• The design team spent the afternoon ideating solutions for the new app

Refers to the process of thinking creatively and freely without limitations; typically used in a corporate or creative setting.

• In our next meeting, I want everyone to engage in some blue-sky thinking
• When you blue-sky think, don't worry about feasibility—just think big

A more informal term used to discuss ideas in a casual, unstructured manner; can imply a degree of improvisation and creativity.

• We were just spitballing some ideas for the next ad campaign
• Let’s spitball and see what creative solutions we can come up with