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 George Vanderbilt envisioned his country estate as a self-sustaining enterprise, and today, his fourth and fifth generation family members strive to embrace that as much as possible. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026 Blum envisions residents and customers will soon be able to walk comfortably from meals at restaurants to grab a nightcap at his lounge without having to go to Prairie Village, Mission or downtown KC for a nice cocktail. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026 Lacob already envisions their menstrual fluid data being able to reveal vital information about the ovarian environment, giving insights into not just the quantity, but the quality of eggs, a frequent blind spot in fertility care. — Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026 That phrase shapes reality to match the picture he’s already envisioned. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • Brown's career started as well as anyone could have imagined, as the former sixth-round-pick from Central Michigan went from fighting to earn a roster spot to becoming one of the most prolific wide receivers in Pittsburgh franchise history.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • That gives you the basic shape of Andromeda — not the easiest constellation to imagine as a mythological princess, but a useful chain of stars to learn.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • In a series of videos posted across social media, Basabe can be seen raising his voice, holding his cellphone in people’s faces and engaging in tense conversations while campaigning.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • And provided the House flips Democratic, Republicans could see a procession of impeachment trials for Cabinet members — and perhaps even the president.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!