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 While the Paepckes envisioned Aspen as a cultural and recreational retreat, Pfeifer was keen on its potential as a ski resort. John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 July 2026 While developing Se-jeong, Yeon envisioned a character who was an outcast but not someone weakened by isolation. Rachael Jung, Variety, 26 July 2026 This is the future tech companies envision in the age of AI, whether consumers want it or not. Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 26 July 2026 The company envisions a future in which robots and intelligent automation systems perform many repetitive and hazardous tasks independently, supported by continuous data analysis and machine learning. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • People imagine astronomy involves memorizing the entire sky at once, knowing exactly where each star is and what it's called.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 July 2026
  • Reading with Judar in English is an opportunity to question and transgress, to imagine worlds and words of possibility closer to home.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • About half of these projects, which included an internal AI assistant to help the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration answer taxpayers’ questions, didn’t see long-term implementation.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
  • Still, though, there was a roughly 45-minute team period that saw the offense and defense go against each other in various situations.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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