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 His efforts have created showdowns in court that could ultimately decide whether Trump has the executive authority to dismantle the federal government in the way Musk envisions. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025 Related Articles Klay Thompson stuck in Mavericks’ chaos as Warriors visit Dallas The trickle-down effects of Jimmy Butler on the Warriors Only the most fanatical of the fan base is envisioning the Warriors at 27-26 winning a fifth NBA title. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025 The bill, sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), is envisioned as a way to give Congress a larger role in rejecting rules when administrations change hands. David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Feb. 2025 Eventually, One Montgomery could become the San Francisco version of the Capitol Tower that Ghazi envisioned all those years ago. Dan Rys, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025 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 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on envision

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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