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

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 envision Tech leaders envision armies of AI agents — autonomous digital workers that can actually get things done, not just chat. Jackie Snow, Quartz, 9 Dec. 2024 Similarly, Fabien Penone, Ambassador of France to Indonesia, is bullish about the Indonesia-France Film Lab, which is envisioned as a sustainable, long-term initiative, growing in scale and influence over time. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Dec. 2024 But another seismic shift that changes the way most people think about or envision AI is unlikely to happen within the next year, said Pichai. Megan Sauer, CNBC, 8 Dec. 2024 Ironically, North American integration was in part envisioned as a tool to smooth that imbalance. Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for envision 

Thesaurus Entries Near envision

Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on envision

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