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

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 envision Hedges envisioned himself becoming a perennial All-Star for his hometown team. Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 Though hundreds of additional troops from Kenya, Guatemala and El Salvador have arrived since the start of the year, including the first all-female SWAT unit from Nairobi, to boost the forces on the ground, the mission is still at less than half of the 2,500 personnel originally envisioned. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2025 The project was originally envisioned as a way to attract new households to the downtown area and bolster the local business community, Village Manager Cara Pavlicek said. Phil Rockrohr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025 Built in 1941, the Cow Palace originally was envisioned as a showcase for livestock. Daniel Brown, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for envision

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on envision

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