envisage

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 The attention given to his project and its predecessor Blackfly suggests that utility is envisaged for eVTOL that goes beyond commuting and urban uses. Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 The ship was also envisaged to be very nimble, with a potential top speed of 42 knots; an ambitious design indeed. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026 Israel wants Lebanon’s government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much as was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. Munir Ahmed, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026 Diaspora Jewry needs the confidence to work in partnership with Israelis for the Israel envisaged in the Declaration of Independence. Mick Davis, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envisage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envisage
Verb
  • Even in the most difficult moments, children still deserve to laugh, imagine and just be kids.
    Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
  • And our founders always imagined our system would evolve.
    Ana Zamora, Time, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Experts from around the globe are already busy envisioning creative applications for artificial intelligence in space.
    Michael P. Dempsey, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026
  • This season also brought the Jackals — a group that was envisioned by Wembanyama with hopes of simulating what happens in European soccer matches, with organized chants, drumming and the like throughout the game.
    Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • Montenegro and Albania are seen as the frontrunners among the Western Balkans, while Ukraine and Moldova are moving closer to opening formal membership talks.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • The 29-year-old checked out of the game and was seen limping back to the locker room as the first quarter came to an end.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envisage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envisage. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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