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 Entering the game, both teams have realized injury reports, with each one of them being fully clean. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025 After years of working and supporting both her husband's and son's collegiate careers, Ellis realized her own dream and earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 14 May 2025 The impact on valuation is clear: Companies that measure, report and set validated emissions reduction targets are up to 1.9 times more likely to realize substantial financial gains, underscoring the strong link between decarbonization and value creation. Jeff Sprau, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 This could be perfectly realized again if Zayn were to face off against Cena for the championship. Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for realize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realize
Verb
  • Break the pattern and build something bigger: watch these 5 films Reject artificial limits and discover your full capability.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.
    Mekishana Pierre Updated, EW.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Under these parameters, a family of four can’t earn more than $57,720 pre-tax to be considered for assistance.
    Grace Chung, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2025
  • Power without earned trust and authority without results follow the same trend.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Some people may notice improvements in six to eight weeks, but others may not see any changes until 12 weeks.
    Julia Ries, Health, 22 May 2025
  • But the company said shoppers may still see price hikes as early as July.
    Serenah McKay, Arkansas Online, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Since its inception, cumulative membership dues pales next to the billions reaped from SATs and AP exams since 1990.
    Scott White, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Chicago’s Building Better Futures Center for the Arts, an organization that offers mental health services and education programs for underprivileged youth, will reportedly reap the benefits of his payout.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Workshop attendees will learn about free Arkansas resources, digital health clinics, a free 24/7 brain and spine call center, brain injury support groups and more.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • Police sources also learned that at one point during his ordeal, the victim's kidnappers are alleged to have threatened to cut off his legs with a chainsaw.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Variety: Spanish films have gained recognition abroad in recent years, especially from new voices.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • For the last few years, these handy panels have been gaining popularity, especially with the widespread adoption of DisplayPort over USB-C in modern laptops.
    John Burek, PC Magazine, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • As traffic piles up behind them, a yell and a bang can be heard as the Chevy driver pulls out, running Cifuni over and dragging her down the street.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 26 May 2025
  • Numbers don’t mean much if women or non-White soldiers don’t feel valued and heard.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Harvard has fought back in the courts, winning a temporary restraining order on May 23 that will allow international enrollments to continue as the case makes its way through the courts.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Long before Ross Chastain became the first driver in 54 years to win a Cup Series race from the tail of the field at the Coca-Cola 600, Shane Van Gisbergen captured the inaugural Chicago Street Race in his debut, and Daniel Suárez got the best of the infamous three-wide photo finish at Atlanta.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Realize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realize. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

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