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 It’s envisioned, Runner said, that the property owner would receive the transit occupancy tax revenues generated by the site, for a set period of time, and the city would receive the sales tax revenues. Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025 The Palestinians, on the other hand, envisioned a legitimate state exercising sovereignty. Dana El Kurd, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025 The park’s quiet debut brings to fruition what was envisioned in October 2021, when the city of San Diego relinquished its rights to lease the block from IQHQ and instead entered into a contractual arrangement with the company for a 96-year term. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025 The researchers envision their vaccine being used as both a treatment and a preventive, and as an approach to treating multiple cancer types. New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • Maduro’s government intensified its campaign against dissent in the tense months before last year’s presidential election, targeting both real and imagined opponents in a sweeping crackdown on the opposition.
    Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Here and in many of her writings Stowe imagined Christ as a mediator capable of elevating all Christians to heaven.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With a swath of apps taking betting from the casino to one’s pocket, the industry has captured the interest of Gen Z, who saw a 7% year-over-year increase in online sports betting activity as of 2025’s second quarter, TransUnion found in a report released last month.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
  • His team sees the deal as a start, not an ending.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on envision

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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