Synonym Chooser

How is the word envision distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of envision are conceive, envisage, 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

In what contexts can conceive take the place of envision?

Although the words conceive and envision have much in common, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

When can fancy be used instead of envision?

The meanings of fancy and envision largely overlap; however, fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When is it sensible to use imagine instead of envision?

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

imagine you're at the beach

When is realize a more appropriate choice than envision?

The synonyms realize and envision 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 could think be used to replace envision?

The words think and envision can be used in similar contexts, 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

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 envision Because its electric taxis can fly unimpeded at high speeds, Joby envisions transporting up to four Delta Air Lines passengers at a time from New York area airports to Manhattan in about 10 minutes or less. Michael Liedtke, The Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2025 Blue Origin envisions six to eight New Glenn flights this year, with the next one coming up this spring. Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Soon-to-be Senate Majority Leader John Thune envisions at least two major bills, starting with defense-energy-immigration, then moving on to extending the expiring elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 16 Jan. 2025 Connor Brown — 82 This is the player Ken Holland envisioned when signing Brown to that big, bonus-laden deal in 2023. Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for envision 

Thesaurus Entries Near envision

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on envision

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