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 This full-on existence is exactly what Allyn envisaged when her family first got involved at the SToK Cae Ras, after passing up earlier opportunities to take a minority stake further up the football ladder. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Shortly after its dawn, dresses produced by Paris’ leading fashion houses, such as Poiret, Chanel and Lanvin, were envisaged with the same geometric, linear designs and intricate decorations that were characteristic of the revolutionary movement. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2025 Before the Budapest Memorandum, Clinton’s preferred method envisaged Ukraine and other potential NATO members joining an interim grouping that would enable them to join the alliance later. Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2025 Arteta relaxed the load from some of his main players but the drip-feed method in which they were introduced perhaps provides a glance into what Arteta envisages as the future of squad rotation. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for envisage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envisage
Verb
  • Often hailed as the definitive screen version, this series perfectly captured the turning point in Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s romance and brought to life the very estate many imagined from the novel’s descriptions.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • In an exclusive clip from the film (below), the jury tries to retrace Sophie’s steps, and imagine her state of mind, on the night she was murdered.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • But the Panthers are bullish on his abilities and envision him thriving as a favorite target for Young for years to come.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • The climbable statue, which won’t actually be climbable until later this summer, was envisioned by Denargo’s landscape architect Sasaki, in collaboration with developers Golub & Co. and FORMATIV.
    Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Todd and Julie did see a minor court victory in 2019 when the Georgia Department of Revenue cleared the couple of a $2 million state tax evasion charge stemming from a two-year investigation of nearly eight years of returns beginning in 2008.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025
  • Patchy Mix Betting Odds and Line Movement With Mix being somewhat of an unknown to many fight fans who spend most of their time focusing on the UFC, the opening odds for this contest saw Mix and Bautista both listed at -110.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Envisage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envisage. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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