envisage

Synonym Chooser

How is the word envisage distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of envisage are conceive, envision, 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

When is conceive a more appropriate choice than envisage?

The synonyms conceive and envisage are sometimes interchangeable, but conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

In what contexts can fancy take the place of envisage?

The words fancy and envisage can be used in similar contexts, but fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When might imagine be a better fit than envisage?

While the synonyms imagine and envisage are close in meaning, imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When could realize be used to replace envisage?

The meanings of realize and envisage largely overlap; however, realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

Where would think be a reasonable alternative to envisage?

Although the words think and envisage have much in common, 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 envisage The Premier League, though, envisages complications in 2025-26. Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 18 June 2025 The contract signed in 2021 – which few believed possible at the time – envisaged the stable return of the Gran Premio to Imola until 2025. Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025 However, Bryant has tried to envisage a process of core accretion by halves. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 June 2025 Indian state-run Aeronautical Development Agency, which is executing the program, will shortly invite initial interest from defense firms for developing a prototype of the warplane, envisaged as a twin-engine 5th generation fighter, the ministry said. Reuters, CNN Money, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for envisage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envisage
Verb
  • Even though no one ever could have imagined it at the time, the Yankees weren’t going to win Torre one more Series, weren’t even going to make it back there even after having led three games to none.
    Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025
  • Third, imagine how scattered and confused the AI community would be without a flag of AGI as the purposeful aim afoot.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • By stepping back, leaders can envision what success might look like six months or even a year from now and identify the steps necessary to achieve that vision.
    Karyn Gallant, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Then-County Commissioner Tom Moser envisioned designating point people at each camp who would monitor a website and alert camp counselors and attendees if evacuation was needed.
    Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The water line can be seen nearly reaching the doorway.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
  • What areas in Texas have flooded? Can't see our graphics?
    George Petras, USA Today, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Envisage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envisage. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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