realize

verb

ˈrē-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce realize (audio)
Definition of realizenext
1
as in to discover
to come to an awareness of I just realized that I can't go out to dinner tonight because I'm supposed to babysit for our neighbor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to earn
to receive as return for effort if you deposit your paycheck in a savings account, you'll realize a little interest on it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word realize distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of realize are conceive, envisage, envision, fancy, imagine, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

When might conceive be a better fit than realize?

While the synonyms conceive and realize are close in meaning, conceive suggests the forming and bringing forth and usually developing of an idea, plan, or design.

conceived of a new marketing approach

How are the words envisage and envision related as synonyms of realize?

Both 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

Where would fancy be a reasonable alternative to realize?

The words fancy and realize are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

When can imagine be used instead of realize?

The words imagine and realize can be used in similar contexts, but imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When would think be a good substitute for realize?

The synonyms think and realize are sometimes interchangeable, 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 realize The character — specifically, the version realized by Oppenheim and Singh — proved too compelling for the chameleonic star to resist. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 So, training my eyes and realizing these (possible recruiting targets) are 16-17 years old. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026 The driver used the compactor once before realizing someone was inside, Menchaca said. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Both men realize what the eventual outcome would have been had Corle been more seriously hurt. — Jan Thacker, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for realize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realize
  1. discover
  2. earn
  3. see
  4. reap
  5. learn
  6. gain
  7. hear
  8. win
Verb
  • Expect to discover many novel flavors of Brazil—butiá, cajú, cumaru—worked into the menu in unique ways.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Detectives believe 44-year-old Lacurtis Knight, from Tamarac, was hit Sunday by the car somewhere else, and then moved by someone to where his body was discovered, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
    — David Goodhue August 28, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of discover
Verb
  • Some soldiers distinguished themselves by helping to render emergency trauma response and first aid to civilians, earning individual service commendations, according to the Arkansas National Guard.
    — Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 29 Aug. 2026
  • On Monday, those five writers — also DSA-LA members — panned the idea of an endorsement, saying Raman hasn’t earned it.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of earn
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
Definition of see
Verb
  • Opponents also rallied around the fact that Iceland already reaps benefits from being in the EU’s frictionless single market and the Schengen free-travel zone without the sovereignty compromises that come with full membership.
    — Kwiyeon Ha, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Opponents rallied around fishing and the fact that Iceland already reaps benefits from being in the EU’s frictionless single market and the Schengen free-travel zone without the sovereignty compromises that inevitably come with full membership.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of reap
Verb
  • Instead, local communities have learned how the law enforcement agencies themselves have been misusing the technology to, in some cases, stalk and harass their citizens.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Palace’s intention was to correct the mistakes made in January and learn from last season by establishing a squad capable of competing in the Europa League without impacting their Premier League form.
    — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of learn
Verb
  • Oswego finished seven of its 11 drives by scoring points and gained 483 yards.
    — Jerry Birchfield, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Iceland, which gained independence from Denmark in 1944, has a proud history of independence, of not allowing itself to be pushed around by bigger and richer European nations.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of gain
Verb
  • Along with performances from Chappell Roan, Doechii and more, the festival provided a space where attendees could connect directly with the festival’s nonprofit partners and hear more about the issues and communities at the center of their work.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Twice that day, Issa hears about earnest stuff Anton said to win voters over to Paul Baker’s side.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of hear
Verb
  • The contestants will have to design a wedding dress that showcases their style, and the winning design will be produced and sold by David’s Bridal.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In the final moments of the game, Chad scores the game-winning touchdown, but a penalty sets them back with just two seconds left on the clock.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of win

Browse Nearby Words

realizations
realize
realized
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Cite this Entry

“Realize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realize. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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