Definition of envisionnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word envision distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of envision are conceive, envisage, 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

In what contexts can conceive take the place of envision?

Although the words conceive and envision have much in common, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

When can fancy be used instead of envision?

The meanings of fancy and envision largely overlap; however, fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When is it sensible to use imagine instead of envision?

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

imagine you're at the beach

When is realize a more appropriate choice than envision?

The synonyms realize and envision are sometimes interchangeable, but realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

When could think be used to replace envision?

The words think and envision can be used in similar contexts, but 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 envision MirrorMe envisions Bolt as a training partner that can run alongside elite athletes, hold a steady pace and push limits without getting tired. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026 The restaurateur envisioned a boilerplate abuelita’s house, which could represent Bad Bunny’s, or his, or anyone’s. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026 Netflix envisions $2-$3 billion but Willems reiterated the savings would come mostly off licensing and other areas. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026 She’s even envisioned the moment. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • This was the right choice—the drama of the sandy shore, contrasted by the vivid blue-green of the sea, is too harmonious a pairing to imagine interrupting.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The aesthetic was likely imagined and brought to life by Oakley-Green herself, as her stylist Karen Clarkson has yet to credit the hair artist on her glam team.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Visits to the shrine are seen by Japan's neighbors as evidence of a lack of remorse for Japan's wartime past.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Links can be seen between the popularity of K-beauty – a sector estimated by research firm Mintel to be worth more than $90 billion – and the rise of Korean culture internationally.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on envision

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