Definition of envisagenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word envisage distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of envisage are conceive, envision, fancy, imagine, realize, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," 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

When is conceive a more appropriate choice than envisage?

The synonyms conceive and envisage are sometimes interchangeable, but conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

In what contexts can fancy take the place of envisage?

The words fancy and envisage can be used in similar contexts, but fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When might imagine be a better fit than envisage?

While the synonyms imagine and envisage are close in meaning, imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When could realize be used to replace envisage?

The meanings of realize and envisage largely overlap; however, realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

Where would think be a reasonable alternative to envisage?

Although the words think and envisage have much in common, 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 envisage For example, will the 60-day process envisaged in the MoU be defined as an extension of the weeks-long ceasefire or a definitive end to hostilities? Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 May 2026 The attention given to his project and its predecessor Blackfly suggests that utility is envisaged for eVTOL that goes beyond commuting and urban uses. Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Israel wants Lebanon’s government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much as was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. Munir Ahmed, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026 Diaspora Jewry needs the confidence to work in partnership with Israelis for the Israel envisaged in the Declaration of Independence. Mick Davis, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envisage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envisage
Verb
  • People imagine astronomy involves memorizing the entire sky at once, knowing exactly where each star is and what it's called.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 July 2026
  • Reading with Judar in English is an opportunity to question and transgress, to imagine worlds and words of possibility closer to home.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Ultimately, Pasupalak doesn't envision AI replacing meaningful human work so much as eliminating the operational burden that prevents leaders from focusing on it.
    Victor Dey, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Juan Rulfo infused his novel Pedro Páramo with half a century of political and economic violence, envisioning rural Mexico as a mythic space where past and present overlap.
    Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • In the underwater video, an adult female orca is seen holding onto a dead sharp-tail sunfish that the group had previously killed.
    Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • If a complaint or case number is available under the tab, click on it and read through the document to see the disciplinary record.
    Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envisage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envisage. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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