Definition of envisagenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word envisage distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of envisage are conceive, envision, fancy, imagine, realize, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," 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 is conceive a more appropriate choice than envisage?

The synonyms conceive and envisage are sometimes interchangeable, but conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

In what contexts can fancy take the place of envisage?

The words fancy and envisage can be used in similar contexts, but fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When might imagine be a better fit than envisage?

While the synonyms imagine and envisage are close in meaning, imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When could realize be used to replace envisage?

The meanings of realize and envisage 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 envisage?

Although the words think and envisage have much in common, 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 envisage However, Hieronimus envisages in the second half of 2026 that turbulences in Chinese domestic airports, due to the change of operator that led to stock issues, will be resolved. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Tartus and the newer Hmeimim ultimately never realized the full strategic potential Moscow not long ago envisaged for them. — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 That said, Auriga initially envisaged using kinetic projectiles that would strike drones directly. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 The plan sets limits on how the river would be operated, and envisages water shortages of up to 3 million acre-feet per year in the three Lower Basin states. — Reuters, NBC news, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for envisage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envisage
Verb
  • Before saying yes, imagine the ordinary version of the opportunity, not just the exciting announcement.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The 10-year-old who started The Cote News isn’t ready to stop seeing a blank page and imagining how to fill it with the right words, with stories, with humor and with heart.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • It was hoped that the plant, envisioned as the first of three, would provide 15% of the island’s electricity needs and usher in a new era of energy security for the communist nation.
    — Juan Carlos López, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
  • And those are just the scenarios experts can currently envision.
    — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In fact, the ability to see the curve from 25 meters away may only hold in perfect theoretical conditions—such as a single high-contrast line on a two-dimensional surface.
    — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Many could barely see the painting clearly with their own eyes, yet they were focused on capturing it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envisage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envisage. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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