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.
Kotb, 60, didn’t mention any handsome prospects, but Bush Hager voluntarily began visualizing an outfit for a very special someone. Michelle Lee, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025 Research shows that visualizing peak performance can help enable the real thing. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 2 Jan. 2025 This summer, the Pittsburgh Steelers even called in Madden developers to help the team visualize how kickoffs would play out under new rules. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 21 Dec. 2024 Want to visualize team structures or project workflows? Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 11 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near visualize

Cite this Entry

“Visualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visualize. Accessed 20 Jan. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!