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 Nayyar envisions the platform as a tool for creating lasting family legacies. Esha Chhabra, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Jones envisioned the show as more light-hearted than those of her competitors, weaving comedy skits and bawdy humor in with the tawdry affairs of her guests. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026 It was originally envisioned as something that could help collegiate men (aka eggheads) toughen up and prepare for fighting the wars of empire. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026 The idea of the Grammys on YouTube — can Mason envision it? Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • Bagehot and other upholders of depoliticizing enchantments could not have imagined a scenario in which Andrew, once second in line for the throne, and Larry Summers, a former Ivy League president hailed as one of America’s leading public intellectuals, are caught up in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
    Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Some of that was real, some of it was exaggerated, some of it was just imagined — and all of it became a potent, highly motivating political narrative.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Al-Maliki ended his second term in 2014 after the Obama administration’s growing frustration with his security blind spots that saw the rise of the Islamic State in the same year across a large swathe of Iraqi and Syrian territory.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Someone who should not stumble into this, who should not have to see the grave of her loved one defaced.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on envision

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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