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 Ergo, longtime collaborator Campillo stepped in to realize Cantet’s vision. Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 May 2025 The Trump administration seems at long last to have realized that having a near-embargo in both directions between the world’s two largest economies isn’t such a great idea. The Editors, National Review, 14 May 2025 This tells us that the moon was volcanically active for much longer than scientists had realized — perhaps as recently as 120 million years ago. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 14 May 2025 Fortunately, with proper treatment, Bauer says, halitosis often becomes much less offensive. Rashes Parikh sees lots of patients with rashes at this time of year, and many don’t realize a pollen allergy could be the culprit. Angela Haupt, Time, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for realize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realize
Verb
  • After following up with participants, researchers discovered that 1,407 received a heart failure diagnosis.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 16 May 2025
  • Aicha discovers that Ruby had been there with a man driving a Porsche Taycan Turbo.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Felton pitched three innings, earning her 14th win of the season.
    Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025
  • Through the Girls Take Flight practicum, 50 high school girls under the age of 18 have earned their FAA 107 Remote Pilot Certification.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Back to battle once again for their lives and a giant cash prize, the wordless preview sees contestants facing a series of high-stakes situations, involving guns, fists and an ominous giant gumball machine.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Southern Baptist churches lost more than a quarter-million members nationwide in 2024, the 18th straight year of decline, but saw baptism and attendance numbers rise.
    Frank E. Lockwood, Arkansas Online, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • More recently, the British engineering giant has reaped even bigger awards, securing a £1 billion investment from Qatar to accelerate its development of climate-friendly technologies.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
  • For now, Ratcliffe’s arrival has provided an opportunity for the Glazers to step back from the day-to-day, shuffle slightly out of the spotlight, pocket a cool $151.5m each, and see whether a different hand at the tiller could reap better results on and off the pitch.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Glenn Martens will make his debut as the new creative director of Maison Margiela with a couture show in July, WWD has learned.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 12 May 2025
  • But project managers have learned that most of their funding was removed by a continuing congressional budget resolution earlier this spring and much of what remained is impounded by the White House budget office.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Another summit priority is economic cooperation, where Britain may have benefits to gain.
    Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • Variety: Spanish films have gained recognition abroad in recent years, especially from new voices.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • His frustrations are drawing all of the attention regarding the Red Sox, and one former Red Sox legend is tired of hearing about it.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • Myth: Exposure to cicada noise will cause hearing loss As the second-largest periodical cicada, Brood XIV can make a lot of noise when the male cicadas attempt to attract mates with their buzzing sounds.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • His administration won significant backing from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
    Tom Perry, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • In each case, the playbook is the same: win big at home.
    Alex Lazarow, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Realize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realize. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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