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 Getting a project like Clapham over the line came with various challenges, such as realizing a common has stricter guidelines than a park. Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 19 June 2025 Employers may not realize workers previously authorized are now unable to work legally. Stuart Anderson, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 But the judges first should realize that the Constitution gives them little right to second-guess the executive’s exercise of powers over the military during an emergency. Robert J. Delahunty, National Review, 19 June 2025 Although in-the-know locals flock here on the weekends, most beach connoisseurs don't even realize this pristine seven-mile stretch of paradise exists. Kara Franker, Southern Living, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for realize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realize
Verb
  • The bodies' heads were discovered nearby in a plastic bag, authorities said, according to the Associated Press.
    Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
  • First discovered: 6:26 p.m. June 30 Initial location: Siskiyou County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Dutchman A new wildfire was reported today at 6:26 p.m. in Siskiyou County, California.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Powell’s strategy to wait for more economic data earned the ire of President Donald Trump.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
  • Cities are not required to assist with federal immigration law, but actively obstructing it could earn Mamdani federal charges.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Chicago O’Hare, one of the world’s busiest airports, saw nearly 114,000 passengers, also a record.
    Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Chicago Sky star Angel Reese was seen knocking a clipboard out of the hands of one of her coaches during a loss to the Washington Mystics on Tuesday.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Those bold enough to double down on inclusion will reap both financial returns and a strategic moat, while their competitors hemorrhage talent and credibility.
    Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • To reap these benefits, time is certainly of the essence.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Biscayne National Park Visitors are often surprised to learn there’s a national park within eyeshot of downtown Miami’s skyscrapers.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
  • Besides, the singer and songwriter has learned not to count out the impossible.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The Aperol spritz has gained a reputation for being a healthier alternative to other cocktails.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 5 July 2025
  • The July 1 report suggests that while most Americans will see tax savings in the short term, high-income households stand to gain the most.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • If the sky becomes threatening and thunder can be heard, find a safe place to shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
  • The judge can be heard flipping through pages over the microphone.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • But Penn State, which licenses intellectual property to create vintage and throwback apparel, won.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
  • What’s better than buying winning lottery jackpot tickets?
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Realize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realize. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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