envisage

Synonym Chooser

How is the word envisage distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of envisage are conceive, envision, fancy, imagine, realize, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," 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 is conceive a more appropriate choice than envisage?

The synonyms conceive and envisage are sometimes interchangeable, but conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

In what contexts can fancy take the place of envisage?

The words fancy and envisage can be used in similar contexts, but fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When might imagine be a better fit than envisage?

While the synonyms imagine and envisage are close in meaning, imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When could realize be used to replace envisage?

The meanings of realize and envisage largely overlap; however, realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

Where would think be a reasonable alternative to envisage?

Although the words think and envisage have much in common, 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 envisage The paper envisages plants being grown in layered structures topped with rooftop solar panels. Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2024 More of a passion project than a mode of transportation, its boats were envisaged in 1999 by renowned Swedish restaurateur and hospitality entrepreneur Björn Janson. Sofia Celeste, WWD, 3 Oct. 2024 Back then, the billionaire was envisaging a fleet of autonomous Tesla cars that could ferry people around town whenever they weren’t needed by their owners. Owen Bellwood / Jalopnik, Quartz, 3 Oct. 2024 Cold War worriers envisaged manly, stiff-jawed computers ordering the launch of nuclear missiles or refusing to open the pod-bay doors. Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for envisage 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envisage
Verb
  • The lads didn’t compile or even intend this album—but yeesh, imagine a world without it.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 23 Nov. 2024
  • The Byzantine Generals Problem: History Meets Blockchain To grasp the essence of BFT, imagine Byzantine generals encircling an enemy city.
    Gary Weinstein, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Williams envisions two- to three-day immersive events where fans, hotel guests, high rollers and families can get in the ring and have fun before the matches.
    Candace Oehler, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
  • At least not at the levels this group envisioned at the season’s outset.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 28 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • To paint, or not to paint:Painting yourself green to see 'Wicked' in theaters?
    Anika Reed, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
  • Tune in to see what will happen in the first leg of this matchup.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near envisage

Cite this Entry

“Envisage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envisage. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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