Definition of envisagenext

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 That said, Auriga initially envisaged using kinetic projectiles that would strike drones directly. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026 The plan sets limits on how the river would be operated, and envisages water shortages of up to 3 million acre-feet per year in the three Lower Basin states. Reuters, NBC news, 31 July 2026 Global is confident that the show has already been renewed for a second season and Abrams said it was envisaged to return multiple times. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 June 2026 For example, will the 60-day process envisaged in the MoU be defined as an extension of the weeks-long ceasefire or a definitive end to hostilities? Tim Lister, CNN Money, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for envisage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for envisage
Verb
  • And the remarkable part of this entire sequence is that at least two characters are actively imagining uses for the box that will compromise the experiment.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • One can only imagine what that iPad has looked like in the past few days.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Even in the midst of this global struggle, Roosevelt contemplated the future and envisioned the critical role that a new United Nations might play.
    John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But her team said DOLLYFEST will be the official celebration Parton herself envisioned, not a traditional memorial.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Barclays projects that palm oil, coconut oil, and rubber could rise by 30% to 40% over the next 18 months, coffee could see an additional 20% to 30% surge, and rice could increase by a further 10% to 20%.
    , CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Authorities initially said Saylor’s mother reported that her child had wandered off from a rental home in Hagley Estates in Pawleys Island and was last seen wearing her swimsuit.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Envisage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/envisage. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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