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 Reuters earlier reported on the cancellation of the NEOM stadium, which was envisaged as being on the roof of The Line, a 500-meter-tall skyscraper. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Riyadh is targeting $100 billion in annual FDI by 2030 to help finance and accelerate the economic transformation envisaged under Vision 2030. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 What Jefferson envisaged, in contrast, was an unyielding north-south grid of continental proportions. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 The building projects envisaged by the tech industry are on a truly staggering scale. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envisage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envisage
Verb
  • Brown's career started as well as anyone could have imagined, as the former sixth-round-pick from Central Michigan went from fighting to earn a roster spot to becoming one of the most prolific wide receivers in Pittsburgh franchise history.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • That gives you the basic shape of Andromeda — not the easiest constellation to imagine as a mythological princess, but a useful chain of stars to learn.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • On Friday, the government submitted a 106-page plan for the arch that envisions a massive structure more than 12 stories high that includes a huge bronze statue of Lady Liberty with wings and carrying a torch with an eternal flame.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Chase has previously explained that Amy had long envisioned eventually returning to the area where she was born and raised.
    — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • In a series of videos posted across social media, Basabe can be seen raising his voice, holding his cellphone in people’s faces and engaging in tense conversations while campaigning.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • And provided the House flips Democratic, Republicans could see a procession of impeachment trials for Cabinet members — and perhaps even the president.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envisage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envisage. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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