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 There are many reasons that lead one to think that capitalism is the best system, as Adam Smith and David Ricardo envisioned. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 Toward the end of the meditation, Whitmore asked participants to envision an animal and invited them to receive its message. Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 SpaceX also envisions the site supporting missions beyond conventional satellite launches, including lunar and Mars missions and the deployment of satellites for its emerging orbital data center business. Joshua Hong, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 Holland Partner Group previously envisioned an office, retail and fitness complex on the property. George Avalos, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for envision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envision
Verb
  • Companies are imagining what AI might make possible, and making moves before fully understanding how to get there.
    Maria Colacurcio, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Superstitious Romans imagined demons lurking in the darkness under the toilet seats.
    Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Institutional investors still seem to see growth opportunities, even if some sovereign wealth funds show signs of potential pullbacks.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The expansion will see Amazon Web Services (AWS) deploy 2 million additional Nvidia graphics processing units (GPUs) in fiscal years 2027 and 2028.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envision. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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