visionary 1 of 2

1
2
3

visionary

2 of 2

noun

1
as in diviner
one who predicts future events or developments according to Greek myth, Cassandra was a visionary who was endowed with the gift of inerrant prophecy but fated to never be believed

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in dreamer
one whose conduct is guided more by the image of perfection than by the real world 19th-century visionaries who founded short-lived communities in which everyone was supposed to live in perfect peace and harmony

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective visionary contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of visionary are chimerical, fanciful, fantastic, imaginary, and quixotic. While all these words mean "unreal or unbelievable," visionary stresses impracticality or incapability of realization.

visionary schemes

How is chimerical related to other words for visionary?

Chimerical combines the implication of visionary and fantastic.

chimerical dreams of future progress

When might fanciful be a better fit than visionary?

In some situations, the words fanciful and visionary are roughly equivalent. However, fanciful suggests the free play of the imagination.

a teller of fanciful stories

When can fantastic be used instead of visionary?

The meanings of fantastic and visionary largely overlap; however, fantastic implies incredibility or strangeness beyond belief.

a fantastic world inhabited by monsters

When is imaginary a more appropriate choice than visionary?

Although the words imaginary and visionary have much in common, imaginary applies to something which is fictitious and purely the product of one's imagination.

an imaginary desert isle

When could quixotic be used to replace visionary?

While in some cases nearly identical to visionary, quixotic implies a devotion to romantic or chivalrous ideals unrestrained by ordinary prudence and common sense.

a quixotic crusade

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 visionary
Adjective
Her visionary leadership has shaped pivotal projects across health, space exploration, art and education, underscoring her as a transformative innovator and thought leader. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2024 The company also announced visionary product updates this year that focused on scaling globally, including enhancements to Stripe Billing and expanded in-person payment capabilities. Truebridge Capital, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
First in the Sixties and again the following decade, Motown and its visionary founder, Berry Gordy Jr., tried to crack a market far from its Detroit roots: Nashville. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 Dec. 2024 Magazine Keep an eye out for incredible projects ahead from these visionaries shaping the design world Designer Ross Cassidy. The Editors Of Ad, Architectural Digest, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for visionary 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for visionary
Adjective
  • There have been hints here and there in Pokémon Masters, for example, that Steven and Wallace might be in some kind of romantic relationship.
    Oliver Brandt, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Amid civil unrest and human rights violations, the dictator also sent his wife private sketches of valentine hearts and links to romantic country music songs.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Travelers should be cautious, especially along major highways like Interstate 90 and 35, as conditions could remain hazardous.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Of course, outdoor activities in cold climates require precautions, including dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, being cautious on icy trails, and pacing oneself.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • There is, however, one more surprise: Most of the text on Lintel 25 is written backward and was probably designed to be viewed with a mirror by ancient Maya conjurers, diviners or oracles.
    James L. Fitzsimmons, The Conversation, 1 May 2024
  • Often enough, this meant putting the same sorts of people—women making money as healers or diviners, or colonized people whose local belief systems were frightening to the colonizers—on trial.
    Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2024
Noun
  • On the night of March 9, the 22-year-old country music dreamer phoned his friend Kevin Hughes, who worked as the chart director at Cash Box magazine.
    Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Perfect for writers, dreamers, and planners, this elegantly crafted one with Coach’s signature leather beautifully captures her thoughts, ideas and memories in style.
    Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Some of these sweeping goals are admirable, some impractical.
    Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Long known for its classic aesthetic, Chris-Craft has exited the pandemic with a plan to reach young, well-heeled watersport enthusiasts who find a more stately million-dollar 37-footer impractical.
    Jaclyn Trop, Robb Report, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • When to book Kayak confirms what USA TODAY has mentioned before: there's no mythical best time to book anymore.
    Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
  • There’s its mythical leader as represented in creepy murals; the Egan family, whose members speak with religious fervor about capitalist enterprise; and Mark’s boss Mr. Milchick, played by series breakout Tramell Tillman, whose dance moves from a sinisterly awkward office party went viral.
    Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Identifying ground zero for the advent of Dengue Fever can be tricky, but careful research has identified Aquarius Records in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District as the primary origin of the infectiously melodic band.
    Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Going slowly and applying heat with a hair dryer can help reduce the risk of damage, but the difficulty of this process is a solid reason to be careful with your installation.
    Simon Hill, WIRED, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The star is said to have risen in the east and guided travelers and prophets to the south, Throop said, adding that these ancient accounts make planetary sense.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024
  • The witches act as dancers and backup singers as well as prophets.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near visionary

Cite this Entry

“Visionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/visionary. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on visionary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!