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 The reality of Cancun is much more varied and infinitely richer than most visitors realize. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025 Once the shock subsided, Wiley realized what an unusual and humorous experience this is. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025 When counselors did a roll call later, the girls realized some campers were missing. Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 12 July 2025 Few people realize that Cook has created far more shareholder wealth than Jobs did. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for realize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realize
Verb
  • First discovered: 4 days ago, 4:04 p.m. July 10 Initial location: Kern County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Airport A new wildfire was reported 4:04 p.m. July 10 in Kern County, California. Airport Fire has burned one acre of private land after being active for four days.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
  • Additional discoveries During the survey, researchers also discovered a second new orb-weaver species belonging to the Scoloderus genus.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Powell’s strategy to wait for more economic data earned the ire of President Donald Trump.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • What areas in Texas have flooded? Can't see our graphics?
    George Petras, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • The third edition of this category sees four out of five honorees return, mainly owing to their outstanding portfolios and strength of service.
    Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Frost and First Liberty allegedly told investors 100% of the proceeds from loan agreements and promissory notes would be used to fund bridge loans and that investors would be reap gains from the repayment of the bridge loans and the interest paid on them.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 11 July 2025
  • Real estate professionals are the first to believe that the Sunshine State will reap huge benefits from Mamdani's victory.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Besides, the singer and songwriter has learned not to count out the impossible.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • Cybercriminals often exploit outdated software to gain access.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
  • But that brief overlap sparked a lifelong friendship, and Gallagher watched from afar over the years as Brewer gained prominence in the San Diego legal community.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • It's been 100 years, and echoes of the controversial Scopes Monkey Trial, which pitted modern science against creationism, can still be heard around the world and seen in Dayton, TN, the heart of the trial.
    Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 13 July 2025
  • Suzie Whitelaw, founder of Save Our Beaches San Clemente, was glad to hear the two-year study was back on track, after emergency work needs slowed progress.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Two, the Padres can win a wild-card playoff berth without adding a catcher.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Until Sunday’s Wimbledon final, Jannik Sinner had won all three of his major singles titles on hardcourts.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Realize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realize. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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