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 This jarring image pushes audiences to imagine and inhabit a different kind of reality. Sara Merican, Deadline, 17 May 2025 Might be a little bit harder to imagine jamming with Cyndi Lauper. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 5 May 2025 How to win $50,000 for your home improvement project Don’t miss out on the chance to turn your home dreams into reality — enter now and start imagining what’s possible! Get Creative, USA Today, 4 May 2025 So, imagine uncorking thousands of swings throughout a summer. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for imagine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imagine
Verb
  • Regardless, the Giants have executed Plan B with Hicks, which was always one of the easiest Plan Bs to envision.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • Levi envisions a complex with a pair of 20,000-square-foot soundstages, two amphitheaters, a boutique hotel, cabins and a farm-to-table restaurant.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Here’s a look at the cast, then and now Maggie (Missy Peregrym) and Isobel, who was initially thought dead in the explosion that killed Reynolds, both overhear Keene plotting with another Forefront mole, Special Agent Wabash.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 May 2025
  • Later that year, he was thought to have left Iran for the first time in 14 years.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • En route, Ellie tries to guess what the surprise might be, but comes up snake eyes.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 May 2025
  • Labeling the Menu Take a note from the hosts of yesteryear and don't leave guests guessing what's for dinner.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • The seashore added that those who see wildlife in need of help can call its hotline at (252) 216-6892.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Some people may notice improvements in six to eight weeks, but others may not see any changes until 12 weeks.
    Julia Ries, Health, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Scientists believe studying these extremophiles could revolutionize life sciences, bioengineering, and space exploration.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • According to sources, who wanted to remain anonymous to protect relationships, the money is most likely to be invested in improving the women’s training facilities at Cobham, which many behind the scenes believe have fallen behind those offered by WSL rivals.
    Asli Pelit, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • In order to be approved for any of those products, a borrower needs a strong credit profile, and the willingness and ability to assume more debt.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • States like Florida could be forced to assume billions in costs for health care and disaster preparedness.
    Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • As his two sons run around its Civil War display, throwing paper darts and speculating on why otters exist, J.B. slips away to the room of paintings by Arthur Dove, an early abstractionist, checks out how they’re attached to the wall and pictures his future winnings.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • What is Magna Carta? 10 of 10 Morris the Alligator, pictured above, died this week.
    Jeremy Engle, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Dolton police did not respond to requests for information about the block but Trustee Belcher said the area was considered the rougher part of the village.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Instead of approaching them and giving them the opportunity to say mean things to you, consider trying to make friends with other girls -- girls who might like to be friends with you too.
    Mark Mondier, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imagine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imagine. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

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