Definition of envisionnext

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 But controlling the weather, at least as Irving Langmuir envisioned it, was just plain folly. Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2026 Originally, Sheridan envisioned The Madison to have some kind of connection to Yellowstone, according to Town & Country. Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026 The design also envisions a day care in the building. Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026 When he was selected with the 13th pick of the 2024 MLB draft, outfielder James Tibbs III envisioned himself roaming the outfield of Oracle Park in a San Francisco Giants uniform for many years. Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • Easier, maybe, to imagine Blume rejecting the general proposition of an author biography, which seeks to root a subject’s work in their specific experiences, dislodging them from a supposedly neutral or unmarked position.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The last time was so long ago that Nash didn’t have a cell phone or even imagine being on a group chat with 12 teammates 30 years later.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Peru has seen eight presidents in the past decade, with several heads of state removed by Congress after corruption accusations.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Mar. 2026
  • But execs — some of whom will meet with Vice President JD Vance today — with a slightly longer perspective look at this moment and see mainly chaos, not profit.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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