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 Planners envision hundreds of luxury apartments, along with green spaces, fitness facilities and hotel rooms, to be mixed in with stores and offices. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 About 300 affordable homes were also envisioned. George Avalos, Mercury News, 1 May 2026 Miami envisions Louis, the team’s 2026 fourth-round pick, working as a big nickel. Omar Kelly may 1, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026 But Sheriff Garry McFadden, a longtime homicide detective at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department before he was elected in 2018, has envisioned a full-service law enforcement agency. Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • But then Dwyer imagined a baroque process that could allow one avalanche to set off another, and another, and another, all right on top of each other.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026
  • But imagine the anticipation that will build — similar to last season when the Bears and Packers met for the first time in Week 14.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • The victim, who hails from the same town as Wick, had also come to see the show and was hanging out with the rapper beforehand at a party in Wick’s nearby rental, the affidavit said.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 7 May 2026
  • These events reverberate around the world, especially among Jews who see themselves as being part of a transnational community.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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