realize

verb

re·al·ize | \ ˈrē-ə-ˌlīz

realized; realizing

Definition of realize

transitive verb

1a : to bring into concrete existence : accomplish finally realized her goal

b : to cause to seem real : make appear real a book in which the characters are carefully realized

2a : to convert into actual money realized assets

b : to bring or get by sale, investment, or effort : gain realized a large profit

3 : to conceive vividly as real : be fully aware of did not realize the risk she was taking

Other Words from realize Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about realize

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Choose the Right Synonym for realize

think, conceive, imagine, fancy, realize, envisage, envision mean to form an idea of. 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 conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design. conceived of a new marketing approach imagine stresses a visualization. imagine you're at the beach fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires. fancied himself a super athlete realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined. realized the enormity of the task ahead 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

Examples of realize in a Sentence

They did not realize the risk that was involved. He finally realized the scope of the problem. She realizes how much things have changed. Do you realize how difficult that stunt is? You just have to realize that you can't always get what you want. She slowly realized what he was trying to say. He realized a lifelong dream by winning an Olympic medal. He finally realized his ambition to start his own business.

Recent Examples on the Web

Charlie Plummer One look at Charlie Plummer’s Instagram and you’ll realize why this young heartthrob actor has major front row potential. — Brooke Bobb, Vogue, "These Are the 15 Stars That Will Be Inspiring Fashion Designers in 2019," 4 Jan. 2019 And while the season started off strong, realizing the eventual stunt at play did not have me hopeful the show would much improve post-Rick. — Bryan Bishop, The Verge, "The Walking Dead’s midseason finale got the show back on track," 26 Nov. 2018 Over the past few years, luggage companies have realized that makeup artists and hairstylists know a thing or two about packing for a trip. — Sophia Panych, Allure, "Makeup Artist Daniel Martin Launches a Genius Travel Makeup Bag With Cuyana," 1 Nov. 2018 In a classic mad scientist tale, Jeff Goldblum invents a teleportation device but uses it without realizing a fly has gotten into the machine with him. — Cady Drell, Marie Claire, "The Best '80s Horror Movies That Are Still Terrifying Today," 23 Oct. 2018 While speaking at the 2018 Vulture Festival in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 17, Lana revealed that the producers didn’t realize how tall Noah was until after they’d been cast in their respective roles. — De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Lana Condor on Auditioning for "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" With Noah Centineo," 18 Nov. 2018 Many people don’t realize that the amazing beauty of nature extends to the microscopic world. — Ernie Mastroianni, Discover Magazine, "Meet the Man Who Takes Pictures of Microbes," 18 Oct. 2018 In an interview with the BBC (via Woman's Day) in 2016, Countess Sophie explained that Lady Louise hadn't realized how famous her grandmother really was. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Who Is Lady Louise Windsor? Princess Eugenie's 'Special Attendant' Is Also Her Cousin," 12 Oct. 2018 In an interview with the BBC's Louise Minchlin in May 2016, the Countess of Wessex revealed that her daughter didn't realize her grandmother was the Queen of England. — Chanel Vargas, Town & Country, "Who Is the Queen's Youngest Granddaughter, Lady Louise Windsor," 12 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'realize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near realize

realizably

realization

realization and liquidation account

Statistics for realize

Last Updated

18 Jan 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for realize

The first known use of realize was circa 1611

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More Definitions for realize

realize

verb

English Language Learners Definition of realize

: to understand or become aware of (something)

: to cause (something) to become real

: to achieve (something, such as a goal, dream, etc.)

See the full definition for realize in the English Language Learners Dictionary

realize

verb

re·al·ize | \ ˈrē-ə-ˌlīz

realized; realizing

Kids Definition of realize

1 : to be aware of : understand Do they realize the danger?

2 : to bring into being : accomplish The war looked like my chance to realize my old dream of flying.— Richard Peck, A Long Way from Chicago

3 : to get as a result of effort : gain Will your business realize a profit?

realize

transitive verb

re·al·ize | \ ˈrē-ə-ˌlīz

realized; realizing

Legal Definition of realize

1 : to convert into money

2 : to obtain or incur (as a gain or loss) especially as the result of a sale, exchange, or other disposition of an asset realized a loss when the house was sold — compare recognize