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 Nico Harrison, the Mavericks general manager at the time, envisioned a lineup matching Davis and Irving’s talent together — two players who ultimately stepped on the floor together one time in Dallas last February. Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026 Salesforce’s billion-dollar ‘Agentforce’ initiative envisions companies building fleets of autonomous agents that live directly inside its CRM software. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026 But the arduous effort may be essential for achieving longer stays in deep space—as well as building the lunar space station and surface outposts envisioned for future Artemis missions. K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026 Now, Strong envisions a big future. Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • Now imagine the same with some of those teary eyes angled down toward glowing screens, while others frame the bride with their phones.
    Nikita Khanna, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Some researchers suggested that goodbyes required cognitive abilities that many nonhuman animals might lack, such as the capacity to imagine and plan for the future.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Another source said the comedian was once frequently spotted around town over the summer but hasn't been seen since.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Ukrainian civilians are struggling with one of the coldest winters in years, which saw temperatures dip to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on envision

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