envisage

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 The two-state plan envisages a Palestinian state in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, existing side by side with Israel. USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025 Sketching on a napkin over lunch, LeMessurier began envisaging a unique answer to these questions: a skyscraper raised at not just one, but all four of its corners. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025 Perhaps Harari’s cognitive revolution went something like what was envisaged by Harvard professor of human evolutionary biology Joseph Henrich. Madeleine Beekman august 11, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2025 The 2023 contract initially envisaged the production of 6,000 Shaheds at Alabuga by September 2025, which Russia completed well ahead of schedule. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for envisage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envisage
Verb
  • Looking Down On Earth From Orbit After nearly a year in orbit, Marshburn has gained a perspective few of us can imagine.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In Bezos’ imagined future, Earth is reserved for living and vacationing, perhaps preserved indefinitely as a national park.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Guided in part by virtual world building sessions hosted by the organization in which the public was invited to imagine a future where reparations as a policy has already happened and given way to a culture of repair, six leading Afrofuturist artists envision 2165 Earth.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • City leaders have envisioned more dense, mixed-use development of the area around the southern end of Bristol and in recent years made such updates to Santa Ana’s general plans and zoning.
    Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lerner says some customers see savings of 30 to 50 percent in their first month.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • This announcement came as a bit of a shock, given The Vampire Diaries actor and Olympic gold medalist had been seen holding hands at an outdoor market as recently as August 31.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Envisage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envisage. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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