Synonym Chooser

How is the word imagine distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of imagine are conceive, envisage, envision, fancy, realize, and think. While all these words mean "to form an idea of," imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When is it sensible to use conceive instead of imagine?

While the synonyms conceive and imagine 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 do envisage and envision relate to one another, in the sense of imagine?

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

When could fancy be used to replace imagine?

The words fancy and imagine 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 is realize a more appropriate choice than imagine?

The meanings of realize and imagine 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 imagine?

The words think and imagine 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 imagine Many theories have been floating around about what may have caused the rearranging with some guessing another stage and others imagining an extraordinary set design. Caché McClay, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025 Just imagine the entertaining options, both inside and out. Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2025 Just imagine the potpourri of amazing facial expressions that would have been on display had Sai been sitting on the jury. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Brian Eno Few musicians have applied themselves so diligently to imagining what space sounds like. Neda Ulaby, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imagine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imagine
Verb
  • Several European nations have been offering sobering guidance in recent months – envisioning garages and subway stations transformed into bunkers and promoting psychological resilience.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Where Civil War envisioned a dark future, Warfare conjures a specific, harrowing day from Mendoza’s past.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Officially launched at the end of the year, the collection brings Louboutin’s signature design codes to life in eyewear form—think bold architectural lines, sensual curves, and unmistakable touches of red.
    Mecca Pryor, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Miami Hurricanes football coach Mario Cristobal made clear to anyone who was thinking of trying to pull off a name, image and likeness (NIL) hold out that it would not be tolerated.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Many theories have been floating around about what may have caused the rearranging with some guessing another stage and others imagining an extraordinary set design.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg guessed Johnny Rzeznik from Goo Goo Dolls.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Now in their early to mid-30s, both authors have seen their stories grow into global phenomena, with millions of readers and successful film adaptations.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Apple, which relies on a supply chain based largely in China, saw shares climb 2.2%.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Musk has never denied his hard-charging style and believes that his work building electric cars and rockets is crucial for the health of the planet and the continuation of the human species, and that his DOGE work responds to threats of U.S. bankruptcy.
    Jonathan Landay, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • And if White Houses have believed this too, that the people that are being covered do not choose who covers them.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Elliott was first reported to have assumed a position in the oil and gas company back in February, driving a share rally amid expectations that its involvement could pressure BP to shift gears from its green strategy and back toward its core oil and gas businesses.
    Ruxandra Iordache,Sam Meredith, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Even after Maryland replied with four consecutive tallies to assume a 4-2 lead, Rutgers answered with three straight goals, and the Terps had to outscore the Scarlet Knights, 3-1, to take a 7-6 lead into halftime.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To picture this, imagine two stars orbiting each other in a flat plane, like spinning wheels.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Now picture yourself with a big eraser in your hand and imagine wiping the slate clean, eliminating distractions.
    Scott Mautz, Contributor, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Everton’s new owners, The Friedkin Group (TFG), has been impressed with performances since its takeover in December and getting a new deal for Sorensen over the line was considered part of the next step in the women’s team’s new era under its ownership.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Still, for all the support HBCUs provide, there are often limits on affirming expression and identity that might be considered subversive, or fall outside of a heteronormative framework.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imagine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imagine. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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