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
  • If one or two other states matched our output, imagine the boasting Trump could do, legitimately, about the economy.
    Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • One is to look for hypothetical superstructures called Dyson spheres, which were a familiar concept to Kardashev as they had been imagined by American physicist Freeman Dyson in 1960.
    Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Arsenia envisions a yearlong series of programs recognizing Black architects, scientists, musicians and artists while exploring the people whose contributions helped build both Greenwood Baptist Church and the city around it.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
  • Continental Divide excursions, ghost tours, and hot springs experiences were not services the company originally envisioned, yet Roppel adds that customer demand made the opportunity clear.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • The stadium has been packed, the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival downtown has seen record attendance, and watch parties and other events have spread across the region.
    Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
  • The pair even goes on a quasi-date playing beer pong this week with Kendall and Shai, who can see right through Liam’s act.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envisage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envisage. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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