The phrase "thought of connection" could be replaced with several synonyms, including the idea of correlation, the concept of linkage, or the notion of association. Other options might include the sense of interrelation, the perception of interdependence, or the recognition of interconnectivity. Depending on the context and intended meaning, other synonyms could include the understanding of cohesiveness, the grasp of interdependence, or the consideration of relatedness. Ultimately, the choice of synonym would depend on the specific nuances and connotations of each term, as well as the writer's intended audience and purpose.