Synonym Chooser

How is the word imagine distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of imagine are conceive, envisage, envision, fancy, realize, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When is it sensible to use conceive instead of imagine?

While the synonyms conceive and imagine 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 do envisage and envision relate to one another, in the sense of imagine?

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

When could fancy be used to replace imagine?

The words fancy and imagine 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 is realize a more appropriate choice than imagine?

The meanings of realize and imagine 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 imagine?

The words think and imagine can be used in similar contexts, 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 imagine Ruth, we’re told, is a great writer but initially tries too hard to imagine stories outside her own experience, including a particularly lurid tale involving a couple on safari. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 2 May 2025 Marvel has always been such an interesting place and playground to imagine stepping into. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025 The online reaction to the video is beyond anything Joyce imagined, as social media users can't get enough of Gary's antics. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 It was imagined with a focus on wellness for anyone at any age and any income level. Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imagine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imagine
Verb
  • Beyond horse racing, Calderone envisions FreeRacehorse.com as a solution to one of the most significant challenges facing streaming services and broadcast TV — extending the relationship with viewers beyond the big screen to smaller screens for continuous engagement.
    William Jones, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Joana Galego originally envisioned Egg Shells (2025) as a larger canvas and the visual narrative revealed itself at five-feet-wide and just over four-feet tall.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The workshop acknowledges that people usually think of consent and boundaries in extreme terms.
    William Jones, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Ringing in at just $11 for a sizable amount of treatment, this mask works to improve 10 hair concerns (think: detangling, reduced split ends, boost shine, and prevent future hair damage) in just 60 seconds.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That’s because the measles was a pretty widespread problem before, guess what, routine measles vaccination occurred.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • No one will ever guess this sleek shirt is working behind the scenes to keep you dry and odor-free after that long-haul flight.
    Kayla Kitts, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • Horsetail is a great option for travelers with accessibility concerns, while those who want more can hike to Upper Horsetail Falls and see the cave that’s tucked behind the curtain of water.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Healthcare, industrials, and technology sectors also saw better earnings growth rates last week.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • It’s revealed that Emily’s triplet, Charity, who is believed to have died during childbirth, is on a murder spree, killing Dante — as well as Emily’s ex-husband, Sean.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
  • Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst also believes Brinson has enough inside quickness to be a factor as a pass rusher.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • McBride wrote the premiere’s cold open — in which Elijah murders a preacher while robbing his collection box, then assumes his identity — several years ago.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • Outside of any current 118 members, and assuming we aren’t cruelly subjected to more of that racist clown Gerrard, the station’s next captain remains anybody’s guess.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • The former Bank of England governor was pictured in a navy business suit waving, with his wife beside him in a white tank and a red pantsuit.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Sanders was pictured holding a Louis Vuitton case full of money while partying, and Sanders' brother, Deion Jr., revealed how much money was in the case.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These myths persist because the industry is still evolving, and many brands are learning to measure beyond what experts now consider to be superficial metrics, like likes or follows.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • Other provisions of the letter included that Harvard ban all DEI policies, or at least those that consider gender, race, ability, age, socioeconomic status, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, or nationality.
    Charlotte Y. Levy, Rolling Stone, 4 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imagine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imagine. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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