visionary 1 of 2

Definition of visionarynext
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visionary

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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

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

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 visionary
Adjective
Nai Lert was a visionary, plain and simple. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 On Friday, the 85-year-old sculptor, who created controversy as well as hundreds of pieces of visionary African American folk art during his many years in Aurora, was honored by the city that at one time seemed to turn its back on this man now often described as an icon. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
Louis Tyrrell, a visionary who helped transform South Florida theater from safe and predictable fare to new plays challenging the intellect and emotion, died Friday afternoon at age 75. Bill Hirschman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026 The visionary of Pan Am was Juan Trippe, a wealthy New Englander. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for visionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for visionary
Adjective
  • Mercury aggravates Jupiter, intensifying your vulnerability in creative or romantic situations.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Meanwhile this is an excellent day to enjoy the company of partners, spouses and close friends, because romantic vibes are sweet and special.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Apex, which primarily consists of its two main characters chasing each other around the fictional Wandarra National Park on location in the real Australian Blue Mountains, is more focused in action than in psychological nuance.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Some rappers have begun directly attesting to the fictional nature of their music.
    Maria Sherman, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Be cautious of any company that pushes a specific program without understanding your circumstances.
    Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Visitors should be cautious about going into a sea cave without a guide, as a swell can flow into it and dramatically raise the water level in a matter of seconds, pushing kayaks into rocks and leaving little air for those trapped inside.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Ora Cogan makes songs the way diviners cast charms.
    Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 16 Mar. 2026
  • While often presented as the act of using beauty practices to manifest your desires, diviner and spiritual wellness teacher Tatianna Tarot would caution against getting too attached to semantics.
    Essence, Essence, 23 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • What began in 1923 as a temporary billboard for a housing development has since transformed into one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, drawing dreamers, tourists and hikers alike into its orbit.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
  • There’s still a chance Bosa could unite with big brother, Joey Bosa, and dreamers will fantasize for Myles Garrett, but, alas, this pre-draft story is about unproven prospects.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Scientists typically test candidates one by one, making large-scale discovery impractical.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
  • And it’s set in a snowy wintertime, which would have been impractical and expensive in live action, but pays all kinds of benefits in terms of staging and mood.
    Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But this year’s report, published Wednesday, has the Queen City of the East – home of horror author Stephen King and the mythical birthplace of lumberjack Paul Bunyan – standing alone.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
  • What could be more human than to weave a mythic narrative of self and clan around what is remembered, and the slippages of what might have been?
    Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Detecting such tiny numbers of atoms takes time, and the setup requires careful calibration and advanced equipment.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Visionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/visionary. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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