conceive

Synonym Chooser

How is the word conceive distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of conceive are envisage, envision, fancy, imagine, realize, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How do envisage and envision relate to one another, in the sense of conceive?

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

When could fancy be used to replace conceive?

Although the words fancy and conceive have much in common, fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

In what contexts can imagine take the place of conceive?

While in some cases nearly identical to conceive, imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When would realize be a good substitute for conceive?

The synonyms realize and conceive are sometimes interchangeable, but realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

When can think be used instead of conceive?

In some situations, the words think and conceive are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Examples 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 conceive This is why the project was conceived as a collaborative one, where all the teams involved came together and were given full creative freedom. Miles Socha, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025 First conceived of in 1945, this is a rocket that replaces burning chemical fuel with a nuclear reactor that is used to heat up a propellant. David Szondy, New Atlas, 20 Jan. 2025 This film was conceived experimentally: Lynch began without a script, instead writing one day by day throughout the shoot. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025 Michaels originally conceived of the program as being similar to a magazine—a collection of distinct voices. Susan Morrison, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for conceive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conceive
Verb
  • Watkins imagines a future database in which each parcel of land is inspected for fire-readiness, so that each neighborhood can be profiled for fire safety and insurers can price rates accordingly.
    Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The spectacle here is one based on literalism: nothing need be imagined ever again.
    Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • From artificial intelligence transforming workflows to esports energizing learning, Bett 2025 is the must-attend event for anyone who wants to understand and influence the future of education in a rapidly changing world.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Glenn, 52, spent 15 years as a cornerback for the New York Jets, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints and understands the NFL grind from that perspective.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And does the new Bears coach think Poles can fix the gaps in free agency and the draft? Johnson will have much to share about his plans in the days ahead.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
  • North Korean troops fighting for Russia in Ukraine thought the war was a military exercise, according to videos released by Ukraine.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Shazia envisions a future where healthcare providers globally adopt KARAMeD to deliver consultations through their online presence, promoting equity, accessibility, and compassion in medical care.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Trump allies, however, previously envisioned a massive expansion of the number of political positions, jumping from roughly 4,000 currently to about 50,000.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, gas fireplaces will have a component known as a thermocouple, which is designed to prevent gas leaks by automatically closing the gas valve if the pilot light goes out.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Here’s everything to know about the real-life case that inspired the 2012 flick.
    Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Thibodeau believes as long as the team improves every day, things will eventually fall into place.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Ted Nguyen believes the Ravens secondary can be exploited, though, and that’s spurring my pick.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • New Orleans is also seeing its all-time snowiest day based on modern records taken at their current location.
    Andrew Freedman, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The states that saw the most substantial mortgage costs were as follows: Hawaii, California, Utah, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Colorado, Nevada, Massachusetts and Arizona.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The level of devastation Los Angeles has just experienced is hard for any of us to comprehend.
    Emma Marie Jenkinson, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Famously, his digressive speeches require deep immersion in right-wing lore to comprehend.
    Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conceive. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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