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 However, Cora is encouraging his young star to start envisioning returning in the ALCS. Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025 And Russian billionaire Dmitry Itskov founded the 2045 Initiative, a life-extension project that envisions uploading human consciousness into computer avatars. Chad De Guzman, Time, 4 Sep. 2025 Gokul envisions a fundamental shift in how factories operate by 2030. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025 And further development is on the way, as the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery is envisioned as at least a three-phase project. Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • As explained in the behind-the-scenes dive, the BAFTA Award-winning composer imagined the sound in images, sampled MRI sounds, and composed the actual score for a trap beat.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Enthralling both fellow captives and the Bey of Algiers, Cervantes, his spirit unbroken, also imagines a daring escape plan.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Taylor also drew false-start and holding penalties in the first half, and teammate Travis Kelce had seen enough during the Chiefs’ season-opening game Friday against the Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • However, only select regions will get to see the eclipse, including New Zealand, southern Australia, parts of the Pacific and Atlantic, Asia, Africa, and Antarctica.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on envision

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