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 Fox Sports executives had envisioned them representing the voice of the fans. — Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 The ending was not what Rodgers likely envisioned, as the Browns continued their strong start to the season with a victory over their AFC North rivals. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026 At the academy, cadets are taught to envision every interaction as a life-threatening confrontation. — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 Our obligation is not to preserve every process envisioned when the Blueprint was written. — Joshua L. Michael, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • Our work re-imagines these ancient tombs as theatrical spaces, built to perpetuate a form of metaphysical human experience.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
  • But what chance would American soldiers have against a country whose military doctrine has already imagined active resistance in populated areas, backed by citizens who could potentially provide intelligence, surveillance and other forms of support?
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But the argument for Oura’s valuation depends on whether or not investors are seeing it as a single-product hardware maker or something bigger and more expansion potential.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Audiences unaware that Altman is gay might pick up on subtle hints in Garfield’s performance, before Musk jokes about it during a dinner scene or a boyfriend is finally seen well into the film.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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