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 In his Reports on Manufactures, Hamilton envisioned tariffs to protect fledgling industries and subsidies to spur innovation. Made By History, Time, 1 Apr. 2025 The perfumer envisions the wearer to be an eccentric, chic vintage lover who’s often seen in velvet tuxes and cheetah pantsuits. Venus Wong, Refinery29, 1 Apr. 2025 Peralta envisions Printers Media Plus evolving beyond its current model. Ethan Stone, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025 Southern expansion While the Assouline’s built their reputation as Elliman agents in New York, Ruthie — a Miami native — always envisioned expanding to South Florida. Elliman Insider Team, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 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 13 Apr. 2025.

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