Synonym Chooser

How is the word realize distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of realize are conceive, envisage, envision, fancy, imagine, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

When might conceive be a better fit than realize?

While the synonyms conceive and realize are close in meaning, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How are the words envisage and envision related as synonyms of realize?

Both 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

Where would fancy be a reasonable alternative to realize?

The words fancy and realize are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When can imagine be used instead of realize?

The words imagine and realize can be used in similar contexts, but imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When would think be a good substitute for realize?

The synonyms think and realize are sometimes interchangeable, 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 realize One of the most heartbreaking things about growing up and becoming an adult is realizing that your infallible role models are just as human and as flawed as everyone else – sometimes more so in the slightly unhinged world of professional wrestling. Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 25 July 2025 For the Diamondbacks, the first part of a potential sell-off has become realized. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 25 July 2025 In response to famines in East and West Africa, U.S. aid officials realized the need for a way to monitor global hunger. Nurith Aizenman, NPR, 25 July 2025 And, my fears were realized — the park was crowded. Tom Montgomery Fate, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for realize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realize
Verb
  • Additional discoveries During the survey, researchers also discovered a second new orb-weaver species belonging to the Scoloderus genus.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
  • Leave behind New York’s stifling policies and discover a state where your ambition can soar.
    Mike Dunleavy, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Brosnahan earned widespread recognition and her first Emmy nomination for guest starring as Rachel Posner on House of Cards.
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The sandy shores are combed for seaweed and trash nightly, which earned the town a Blue Wave certification.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • At Holland State Park, which is run by the state and hasn’t seen lifeguards in three decades, there’s talk among Park Township officials of implementing a lifeguard pilot program.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
  • While one of Mandy Moore's favorite roles is Jamie Sullivan in the romantic drama A Walk to Remember, her husband Taylor Goldsmith apparently has not seen the classic 2002 Nicholas Sparks movie adaptation.
    Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Frost and First Liberty allegedly told investors 100% of the proceeds from loan agreements and promissory notes would be used to fund bridge loans and that investors would be reap gains from the repayment of the bridge loans and the interest paid on them.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 11 July 2025
  • Real estate professionals are the first to believe that the Sunshine State will reap huge benefits from Mamdani's victory.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The youngest of seven siblings, Kelly learned to be resilient from an early age.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • At the nearby Hershey Story Museum, kids can learn about the history of chocolate and how to make it.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • The shoes have been gaining popularity thanks to endorsements by stylish celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Tyla, Florence Pugh, Dua Lipa and more.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 July 2025
  • Since then he’s noticed the tool gain popularity among his residents and surgeon colleagues.
    Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Powell held up both Irwin and Grace while their friends and family off-screen could be heard laughing at the sight.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 25 July 2025
  • Investors will want to hear clear strategies from the hyperscalers .
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Democrats have only once won three gubernatorial elections in a row in Wisconsin.
    Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
  • While on that topic, the Vols – coached by Tony Vitello – won the CWS in 2024, ending a 15-year team NCAA drought for UT and fueling a fun baseball rivalry because the state’s two SEC school.
    Gentry Estes, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Realize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realize. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.

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