Definition of realizenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word realize distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of realize are conceive, envisage, envision, fancy, imagine, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

When might conceive be a better fit than realize?

While the synonyms conceive and realize are close in meaning, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How are the words envisage and envision related as synonyms of realize?

Both envisage and envision imply a conceiving or imagining that is especially clear or detailed.

envisaged a totally computerized operation
envisioned a cure for the disease

Where would fancy be a reasonable alternative to realize?

The words fancy and realize are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When can imagine be used instead of realize?

The words imagine and realize can be used in similar contexts, but imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When would think be a good substitute for realize?

The synonyms think and realize are sometimes interchangeable, but think implies the entrance of an idea into one's mind with or without deliberate consideration or reflection.

I just thought of a good joke

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of realize At the time, Moafi didn’t realize how that training would lay the groundwork for a career mainly in TV and film. Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026 Over time, however, the filmmakers realized that Barker's story wasn't necessarily about overcoming trauma. Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 Bueckers and the Wings are also off to a strong start (9-5) and seem to be realizing the potential that had WNBA general mangers saying the team would be the league’s most improved. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026 The thing most people don’t realize is that Anthropic isn’t fundamentally opposed to the current administration’s economic goals. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for realize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realize
Verb
  • Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents and base personnel tracked two suspects while ordering residents to shelter in place, then discovered 51 kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl inside the deserted vehicle.
    Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
  • Investigators later discovered approximately 51 kilograms — more than 112 pounds — of cocaine and fentanyl inside the suspects' vehicle, according to NCIS.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Take control of your money with CNBC Select CNBC Select is editorially independent and may earn a commission from affiliate partners on links.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 12 June 2026
  • For example, Walmart’s top-performing regional managers can earn up to $620,000 annually; corporate positions are also an option.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • The controversial diplomatic breakthrough poses a quandary for Vance, whose aides see Rubio as his most viable challenger for the Republican presidential nomination should the secretary choose to run.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • She was last seen Thursday night in surveillance footage walking through the Publix parking lot at 100 Old Cherokee Road.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Homestead owners will be the initial beneficiaries of the amendment, but non-homestead owners, including businesses and those who own vacation homes and condos, will reap rewards as well in future years.
    Gray Rohrer, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026
  • While reaping huge profits from AI spending, Nvidia has also become a significant investor in AI companies, committing a total of more than $90 billion to developers, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI, and suppliers, including Coherent, Marvell, Lumentum, and Corning.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • If a circle is empty, for example, players must learn to move their hands in the opposite direction to complete that task.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • Technical excellence is paramount, but so is the ability to take risks, learn from your mistakes and work at the edge and intersections of disciplines to transform ideas into knowledge and action.
    Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • In 1803, after the Louisiana Purchase effectively doubled the size of the country, religious entrepreneurs gained access to a vast new market.
    Michael Luo, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
  • But studies have found that voter trust slides as results lag, and this primary made clear that disinformation gains more traction the longer contests drag on, especially with lead changes.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Crowds were heard cheering outside of the building as crews put up scaffolding to reach the building's signage.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
  • So, Juneteenth, to me, is this perfect embodiment of how, from the moment that folks heard (the news about the Emancipation Proclamation), there was celebration, there was unity, there was community.
    Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • The event features food trucks, blow up games, T-shirts and a chance to win tickets to a game.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
  • Pan is banking on the tactic to win the Democrat-leaning 6th Congressional District, which under newly redrawn lines includes West Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin and communities north and east of Sacramento.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Realize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realize. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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