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 Once envisioned as the personal retreat of the brand’s owner, Katikies Cycladic House spans more than 7,500 square feet and has five bedrooms, three kitchens, multiple living and dining areas, a state-of-the-art gym, wine cave, entertainment lounge, and massage room. Emma Reynolds, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 Congress has become a lot weaker than originally envisioned in the nearly two-and-a-half centuries since it was created, but one of its lasting powers has been the ability to tax, and the ability to spend. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025 Ganatra, who grew up in the picturesque town, envisioned the film capturing a John Hughes-like vibe, according to Finn. Pat Saperstein, Variety, 9 Aug. 2025 This isn't how many envisioned seeing the Washington Commanders' offseason unfold. Geoffrey Knox, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • The play imagines what would happen if President Abraham Lincoln's assassination wasn't exactly a bad thing for his insufferable wife.
    Nigel Smith, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • If a highly fit teenage boy can die of heat stroke on a hot day, imagine the degree of challenge to older folks who typically are much less fit.
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Try to test the performance of your AI tool against a manual task to see the difference in time spent, performance and quality of output.
    Zoe Lu, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Wagner never expected that the restaurant would see this amount of water damage.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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!