conceive

Synonym Chooser

How is the word conceive distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of conceive are envisage, envision, fancy, imagine, realize, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How do envisage and envision relate to one another, in the sense of conceive?

Both 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

When could fancy be used to replace conceive?

Although the words fancy and conceive have much in common, fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

In what contexts can imagine take the place of conceive?

While in some cases nearly identical to conceive, imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When would realize be a good substitute for conceive?

The synonyms realize and conceive 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 can think be used instead of conceive?

In some situations, the words think and conceive are roughly equivalent. However, 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 conceive Sinatra conceived of In the Wee Small Hours as a full-length album, rather than a collection of singles. Paul Grein, Billboard, 15 Sep. 2025 Every trip to the electric chair is horrifying; a sequence where an intentionally botched execution ignites a still-living prisoner's screaming head in ghoulish blue flames is up there with any supernatural fright King's ever conceived. James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025 The findings could pave the way for new diagnostic tools and treatments for couples struggling to conceive. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025 Guillermo del Toro, whose Pinocchio was conceived as an ode to the human over the machine, was emphatic on the subject. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conceive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conceive
Verb
  • Looking Down On Earth From Orbit After nearly a year in orbit, Marshburn has gained a perspective few of us can imagine.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In Bezos’ imagined future, Earth is reserved for living and vacationing, perhaps preserved indefinitely as a national park.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Your smartphone's voice assistant struggles to understand your accent but works perfectly for others.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • While parenting responsibilities are widely understood and sometimes better supported in the workplace, senior care still has a long way to go, Zlotsky said.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Antoni Gaudí, the Catalan architect who spent forty-three years working on the Sagrada Família, did not think that his work should compete with God’s, so the basilica will remain a few feet lower than the iconic peak of Montjuïc.
    D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Pür’s multitasking powder is infused with a host of skincare-grade ingredients to help blur and minimize texture—think retinol, lactic acid, and antioxidants.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Guided in part by virtual world building sessions hosted by the organization in which the public was invited to imagine a future where reparations as a policy has already happened and given way to a culture of repair, six leading Afrofuturist artists envision 2165 Earth.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • City leaders have envisioned more dense, mixed-use development of the area around the southern end of Bristol and in recent years made such updates to Santa Ana’s general plans and zoning.
    Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With the big night almost here, here's what to know about the award ceremony and how to watch it.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Your wallet — and your customer service experience — will depend on knowing the difference.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lerner believes that without smarter management, enterprises will face spiraling bills and strained infrastructure.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The governor said that the suspect is believed to have acted alone.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lerner says some customers see savings of 30 to 50 percent in their first month.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • This announcement came as a bit of a shock, given The Vampire Diaries actor and Olympic gold medalist had been seen holding hands at an outdoor market as recently as August 31.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That is our special thing as Americans, and no European mind will ever comprehend that, Belly.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Certain populations of students such as those from low-income households, those experiencing homelessness, those who are unable to speak or comprehend English, or children of an active-duty military member are eligible to enroll in a state pre-K program or obtain ESA money.
    Lina Ruiz September 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conceive. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

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