visualize

verb

vi·​su·​al·​ize ˈvi-zhə-wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce visualize (audio)
ˈvi-zhə-ˌlīz,
ˈvizh-wə-ˌlīz
visualized; visualizing

transitive verb

: to make visible: such as
a
: to see or form a mental image of : envisage
trying to visualize the problem
b
: to make (an internal organ or part) visible by radiographic visualization

intransitive verb

: to form a mental visual image

Examples of visualize in a Sentence

She tried to visualize the scene he was describing. Before you swing, visualize yourself hitting the ball.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Urban Planning By creating highly accurate 3D models of cities, project managers and architects can visualize the entire urban environment, simulate changes and make more informed decisions. Carlos Melendez, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 The film’s tricky tone of gory violence and comedy rests on Nate’s shoulders, and early on the duo visualized Jack Quaid as the perfect lead. William Earl, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025 As with many writers from both his time and ours, the sense Pliny most often appeals to is sight, urging his readers to visualize the amazing creatures and exotic civilizations found as far away as India and Ethiopia. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 5 Mar. 2025 Picture your trip Start to visualize all the steps of your trip: packing, driving to the airport, going through security, sitting at your gate. Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for visualize

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of visualize was in 1848

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Visualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visualize. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

visualize

verb
vi·​su·​al·​ize ˈvizh-(ə-)wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce visualize (audio)
ˈvizh-ə-ˌlīz
visualized; visualizing
: to make visible
especially : to form a mental image of

Medical Definition

visualize

transitive verb
vi·​su·​al·​ize
variants also British visualise
visualized also British visualised; visualizing also British visualising
: to make visible: as
a
: to see or form a mental image of
b
: to make (an organ) visible by radiographic visualization
visualize the gallbladder
c
: to prepare (as an organism or tissue) for microscopic examination especially by staining

More from Merriam-Webster on visualize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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