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 But Perri likes to imagine the metaphor of a dial, where a patient is imagining the triggers and trying to turn down the fear. Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025 This open invitation asks Americans to imagine their own creative ways to resist. James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025 Most travelers imagine fall as pumpkin patches, golden leaves, and sweet mugs of apple cider. Christina Fang, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025 That said, hard to imagine Burks would be ready to play so quickly. Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imagine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imagine
Verb
  • The project, Muniz explained, was initially envisioned as a two-hour reunion film before those behind the series realized there was too much ground to cover.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Roughly 30 wolves now roam mountainous regions of the state, and the management plan envisions a long-term population that could exceed 200 animals.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And if your gifts are on the heavier side, think homemade treats, books, or candles; flat-rate boxes can be your best friend since the price stays the same no matter how far the package travels.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • As gutting as that was, the team received uplifting news on each player Monday indicating that neither injury was as serious as initially thought.
    Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Nelson may have guessed correctly on the president digging his heels into tariffs seven years on from his first term, but the taxes may not be around for much longer.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Joyspan is for anyone who’s aging, and guess who that is?
    Angela Haupt, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The suppression of Black voters well into the twentieth century was only ended (for the most part) with the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA), after a long and dangerous fight that saw multiple incidents of deadly violence against those advocating for equal access to the ballot.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 25 Oct. 2025
  • But the biggest surprise was seeing how ineffective Liverpool’s forwards were.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With McCarthy, who many believe has an incredibly high NFL ceiling, the Vikings don’t know what to expect on a week-to-week basis — and there’s lots of room for growth.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Others believe a different origin story.
    Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Such an ambitious agenda assumes a counterpart who is either inclined or compelled to cooperate.
    Neil Thomas, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
  • From there, Olympian water polo player Ashleigh Johnson assumes the roles of beloved figures such as Prince, Tommie Smith, Serena Williams, and Amanda Gorman as Public Enemy’s members trade bars over a rambunctious guitar loop.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Choose between five jolly patterns, including this adorable stationery-esque bow and Christmas tree option (pictured).
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The duo was pictured hitting Jayde’s Market in Beverly Glen after their sweat session.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • To stake his claim to be considered for a F1 seat at any team, the 20-year-old would increase his odds by bagging the F2 title.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Travelers to Europe should consider a phone crossbody purse instead, like this compact but spacious one from Amazon.
    Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imagine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imagine. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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