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
  • Detectives also discovered a 13-year-old girl living in the home.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 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
  • Under these parameters, a family of four can’t earn more than $57,720 pre-tax to be considered for assistance.
    Grace Chung, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2025
  • Power without earned trust and authority without results follow the same trend.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • But the company said shoppers may still see price hikes as early as July.
    Serenah McKay, Arkansas Online, 22 May 2025
  • The South African government has also been a vocal defender of Palestinians in Gaza who have seen their homes destroyed and access to food cut off by the Israeli military, a position that’s frustrated Trump administration officials.
    Brian Bennett, Time, 22 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
  • 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
  • Captain America: Brave New World (2025): 42 days Snow White (2025): 53 days Mufasa: The Lion King (2024): 60 days Moana 2 (2024): 62 days Stay tuned to learn exactly when Lilo & Stitch will be released on streaming.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Variety: Spanish films have gained recognition abroad in recent years, especially from new voices.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • For the last few years, these handy panels have been gaining popularity, especially with the widespread adoption of DisplayPort over USB-C in modern laptops.
    John Burek, PC Magazine, 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on realize

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!