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 The broader concept envisions robots entering dangerous areas after sensors identify a threat, reducing the need to expose soldiers to direct danger. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026 Piëch envisioned a car with nearly 1,000 hp that would finally be the first road-going production vehicle to break the 400 kph (249 mph) barrier. — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026 Back in 2003, Merz introduced his famous tax return on a beer coaster concept, envisioning a simplified tax system where ordinary households could calculate their due taxes on a piece of paper the size of a beer coaster. — CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026 Lucaj also envisions the store as a connection between New York and Paris café culture, and has partnered with nearby La Perle, commissioning a custom mural and creating a bespoke coffee experience as part of integrating into the neighborhood. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • Before saying yes, imagine the ordinary version of the opportunity, not just the exciting announcement.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The 10-year-old who started The Cote News isn’t ready to stop seeing a blank page and imagining how to fill it with the right words, with stories, with humor and with heart.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Just a kid yearning to be seen, one who’s been told that being seen means being beautiful and that being beautiful means being white.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Big caps were offering one of the most sumptuous cushions over bonds ever seen.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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