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 Beneath the facade of every home, school, business and community center lie layers of material meaning and memory that bear forth records of the minds and hands that envisioned and assembled them. Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025 The interior designer thought about her husband's work as well when envisioning new spaces. Julie Tremaine, People.com, 7 May 2025 The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, originally envisioned as a new landmark for the city's South Side, has hit back at claims of mismanagement from President Donald Trump. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025 During Sunday’s preview, Miller, who collaborated with Andrew Bolton, the Costume Institute’s curator in charge, spoke about the importance of dandyism to Black identity in the diaspora and the ways that Black designers have interpreted and envisioned that history. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • Xu began to imagine what this might mean for people with cancer if histotripsy activates the human immune system in a similar way.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • The easiest life to imagine was the life of the man who ran the ferry.
    Patricia Lockwood, New Yorker, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • The seashore added that those who see wildlife in need of help can call its hotline at (252) 216-6892.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Some people may notice improvements in six to eight weeks, but others may not see any changes until 12 weeks.
    Julia Ries, Health, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on envision

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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