visualize

verb

vi·​su·​al·​ize ˈvi-zhə-wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce visualize (audio)
ˈvi-zhə-ˌlīz,
ˈvizh-wə-ˌlīz
visualized; visualizing

transitive verb

: to make visible: such as
a
: to see or form a mental image of : envisage
trying to visualize the problem
b
: to make (an internal organ or part) visible by radiographic visualization

intransitive verb

: to form a mental visual image

Examples of visualize in a Sentence

She tried to visualize the scene he was describing. Before you swing, visualize yourself hitting the ball.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Hence, musicians build skill while just visualizing playing. Stefan Falk, CNBC, 30 May 2025 The Chiefs’ owner can visualize the potential next chapter of his franchise, one that could begin in just six years. Nate Taylor, New York Times, 30 May 2025 And then visualize zapping this face/tumor/marsupial with golden phasers, thought torpedoes, celestial disintegrators, the full arsenal of your mega-mind. James Parker, The Atlantic, 27 May 2025 The difference between current and voltage can be visualized by a conveyor belt carrying boxes of a uniform size. Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for visualize

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of visualize was in 1848

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Visualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visualize. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

visualize

verb
vi·​su·​al·​ize ˈvizh-(ə-)wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce visualize (audio)
ˈvizh-ə-ˌlīz
visualized; visualizing
: to make visible
especially : to form a mental image of

Medical Definition

visualize

transitive verb
vi·​su·​al·​ize
variants also British visualise
visualized also British visualised; visualizing also British visualising
: to make visible: as
a
: to see or form a mental image of
b
: to make (an organ) visible by radiographic visualization
visualize the gallbladder
c
: to prepare (as an organism or tissue) for microscopic examination especially by staining

More from Merriam-Webster on visualize

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