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 Planners envision hundreds of luxury apartments, along with green spaces, fitness facilities and hotel rooms, to be mixed in with stores and offices. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 About 300 affordable homes were also envisioned. George Avalos, Mercury News, 1 May 2026 Miami envisions Louis, the team’s 2026 fourth-round pick, working as a big nickel. Omar Kelly may 1, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026 But Sheriff Garry McFadden, a longtime homicide detective at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department before he was elected in 2018, has envisioned a full-service law enforcement agency. Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • But dismantling polluting industries, trying to clean up our air and our water, and imagining a health care system not driven by profit would take coordinated, radical restructuring.
    Hannah Kerman, STAT, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Just imagine Bill Belichick and Rob Gronkowski smashing vodka Red Bulls and partying it up.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The fact is that recent or older series can gain new footholds with modern viewers who haven’t seen them.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Actor Sarah Jessica Parker was seen walking down the grand staircase at the New York Public Library with Queen Camilla after a literacy event this afternoon.
    Emma Caughlan, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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