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 Each vase was envisaged with soft ripples as if they were shaped by water, wind and time itself. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 July 2026 National plans envisage developing the capability to design, build and eventually export indigenous submarines during the 2040s. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026 Global is confident that the show has already been renewed for a second season and Abrams said it was envisaged to return multiple times. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for envisage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envisage
Verb
  • The barrel had been punctured several times and dumped far offshore, Spencer said, but whoever discarded the remains likely never imagined the reservoir’s shoreline would one day retract hundreds of feet.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • On the other hand, severe inflation could produce the same nominal milestone while bitcoin purchased far less than enthusiasts imagine.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Researchers envision bacteria on plant leaves or roots that detect stress and trigger responses without conventional electronics.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Just before the pandemic, Manhattan’s MCC Theater staged a show called All the Natalie Portmans, about a gay Black teenage cinephile who envisions the actor as a kind of manic pixie imaginary friend.
    Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Recent months have seen an expansion of Russian missile attacks all across Ukraine, as officials in Kyiv warn that Ukrainian stocks of anti-missile interceptor munitions are dangerously low and, in some cases, exhausted.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Check the offer page to see which hotels are offering the discount—you’ll be happy to see fan favorites like Disney’s Grand Floridian and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge on the list!
    Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Envisage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envisage. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on envisage

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster