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 Automotive Lovable Toyota micro-camper envisages amazing future for tiny van life October 26, 2024 Is there any vehicle more adorable than a sub-4-m Japanese micro-camper van? New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2024 Essentially, there will be more program – meaning conference sessions, keynotes, round tables, workshops – and fewer screenings than was originally envisaged. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2024 With their two daughters now in their twenties and having left home, the couple are free to travel more — though neither envisaged Wrexham being among their regular destinations. Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024 Reversing the dependence would also require coordinated efforts by Americans and Europeans to increase bilateral trade with Russia, which is hard to envisage under Trump. Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for envisage 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envisage
Verb
  • Adapted from Robert Harris' novel about the papal conclave, the film imagines a series of twists in the modern-day Vatican City.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
  • For years, Freeman had been fiddling with the material, imagining and reimagining characters, revisiting childhood memories.
    Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • The latest blueprint for the project, presented to zoning commissioners Jan. 8, envisions 62.4 acres of half-acre lots on the eastern portion of the property and 24 acres of apartments to the west, bridged by a 41-acre plot of mixed-use development in between.
    Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The group was seen filling buckets of water from Libonati's pool and passing it among themselves to douse the smoking spots around the house.
    Janhvi Bhojwani, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Blood is seen pouring out of skinned animals, the near-constant cruelty of the state’s differing climates is apparent and the ruthless, murderous human beings driven by capitalism and colonialism are lethal.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Envisage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envisage. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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