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 Entering the game, both teams have realized injury reports, with each one of them being fully clean. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025 After years of working and supporting both her husband's and son's collegiate careers, Ellis realized her own dream and earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 14 May 2025 The impact on valuation is clear: Companies that measure, report and set validated emissions reduction targets are up to 1.9 times more likely to realize substantial financial gains, underscoring the strong link between decarbonization and value creation. Jeff Sprau, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 This could be perfectly realized again if Zayn were to face off against Cena for the championship. Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for realize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realize
Verb
  • The daughter who found discovered her mother’s body said the dogs had bitten into the corpse, though officials could not confirm this.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
  • It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.
    Mekishana Pierre Updated, EW.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Any move to weaken the dollar might enrage Trump World, earning Japan bigger tariffs.
    William Pesek, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • In a year that emphasized bold narratives and artistic risk, several standout films earned praise.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Todd and Julie did see a minor court victory in 2019 when the Georgia Department of Revenue cleared the couple of a $2 million state tax evasion charge stemming from a two-year investigation of nearly eight years of returns beginning in 2008.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025
  • Patchy Mix Betting Odds and Line Movement With Mix being somewhat of an unknown to many fight fans who spend most of their time focusing on the UFC, the opening odds for this contest saw Mix and Bautista both listed at -110.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Since its inception, cumulative membership dues pales next to the billions reaped from SATs and AP exams since 1990.
    Scott White, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Chicago’s Building Better Futures Center for the Arts, an organization that offers mental health services and education programs for underprivileged youth, will reportedly reap the benefits of his payout.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Workshop attendees will learn about free Arkansas resources, digital health clinics, a free 24/7 brain and spine call center, brain injury support groups and more.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • During a March appearance on The Pivot Podcast, Jelly revealed what he's learned after being married to Bunnie for eight years.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The show premiered in 2014 on the USA Network and quickly gained popularity due to its mix of humor, family drama and Todd's bold persona.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
  • As infrastructure depends more on vendor ecosystems, attackers often exploit weaker partners to gain access.
    Srikanth Bellamkonda, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • As traffic piles up behind them, a yell and a bang can be heard as the Chevy driver pulls out, running Cifuni over and dragging her down the street.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
  • Numbers don’t mean much if women or non-White soldiers don’t feel valued and heard.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Harvard has fought back in the courts, winning a temporary restraining order on May 23 that will allow international enrollments to continue as the case makes its way through the courts.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Long before Ross Chastain became the first driver in 54 years to win a Cup Series race from the tail of the field at the Coca-Cola 600, Shane Van Gisbergen captured the inaugural Chicago Street Race in his debut, and Daniel Suárez got the best of the infamous three-wide photo finish at Atlanta.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Realize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realize. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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