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 And in the 1990s, the nation’s medical experts, realizing the costs of divergent advice, aligned their recommendations with the CDC’s too. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025 At the same time, executives previously said $2 billion in potential cost cuts could be realized under the combined company. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025 Some visions are realized, and others fall tragically short, drawing the scrutiny of fans and critics alike. Charles Singh, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025 Most of us live in the political center; most of us want a city that works, that prioritizes safety and that realizes that not every wish can be granted. Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for realize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realize
Verb
  • As The Athletic discovered on a recent stroll along the waterfront from the city centre, there’s certainly plenty of land ripe for development.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • For the uninitiated, the Hall effect, first discovered in 1879 by Edwin Hall, is a phenomenon where an electric current flowing through a conductor or semiconductor in the presence of a magnetic field produces a voltage across the material.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Italian was in charge of Spurs when Spence joined them in July 2022, a couple of months after his electric performances at right wing-back helped Nottingham Forest earn promotion to the top flight via the Championship play-offs.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Mike Bedosky played for Mizzou football from 1989-92, earning two All-Big Eight selections as an offensive guard.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Taylor also drew false-start and holding penalties in the first half, and teammate Travis Kelce had seen enough during the Chiefs’ season-opening game Friday against the Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • However, only select regions will get to see the eclipse, including New Zealand, southern Australia, parts of the Pacific and Atlantic, Asia, Africa, and Antarctica.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Educators and parents are increasingly enthusiastic that matching learning styles to students will reap academic rewards.
    Suzanne Wright, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Chicago reaped the benefits of Burden's slide and may have nabbed one of the draft's biggest steals as a result.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Tombstone star has joined the cast of the Yellowstone spinoff series The Madison, Entertainment Weekly has learned.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Having learned to think of themselves as an identity group like any other, such Americans have begun to flex their muscles.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This was the lowest yardage gained in a game under coach Zac Taylor.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Shinjiro Koizumi, the telegenic political scion who has gained prominence as Ishiba’s farm minister tasked with trying to cap soaring prices, is another possible successor.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Expect to continue hearing rumors about Hill as the season moves forward.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Over three decades, the community has witnessed the Chens’ children growing up—attending their sports games, hearing them practice piano in the restaurant, and blurring the line between customer and friend.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Charlotte forced five Tar Heels three-and-outs, held them to 33% on third-down attempts, and won the time of possession battle.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Even there, though, Green Bay’s 11-game winning streak against the Bears came to an end in Week 18 last season.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Realize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realize. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on realize

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