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 Contemporary installations created in the 2000s, such as Helmets (Pieces of Sky) (2001), invite audiences to envision new horizons through direct participation. Robert Lang, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025 Ultimately, Polacek envisions hospitality as a living dialogue between technology and spirit, where every detail can honor presence, and the human experience can become the measure of innovation. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025 Arida envisions the brand’s success as more than commercial. Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025 But the brokerage was eventually acquired without achieving the transformation Hunt envisioned. Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • We’re largely left to imagine her fears for an uncertain future, her grief for an unknown, unborn child and her thoughts on becoming a symbolic figure in the outside world, with another woman’s name to boot.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
  • And if that can happen to retail giants with decades of consumer goodwill, imagine the stakes for entertainment and cultural brands — where loyalty is fleeting, audiences are global and competition is relentless.
    Kimberly S. Reed, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • But travelers could still see flight cuts even if the government were to reopen next week, as the FAA’s order requires airlines to cancel flights days in advance.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Roaches were seen in the restrooms.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on envision

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