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noun

1
as in diviner
one who predicts future events or developments according to Greek myth, Cassandra was a visionary who was endowed with the gift of inerrant prophecy but fated to never be believed

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in dreamer
one whose conduct is guided more by the image of perfection than by the real world 19th-century visionaries who founded short-lived communities in which everyone was supposed to live in perfect peace and harmony

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective visionary contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of visionary are chimerical, fanciful, fantastic, imaginary, and quixotic. While all these words mean "unreal or unbelievable," visionary stresses impracticality or incapability of realization.

visionary schemes

How is chimerical related to other words for visionary?

Chimerical combines the implication of visionary and fantastic.

chimerical dreams of future progress

When might fanciful be a better fit than visionary?

In some situations, the words fanciful and visionary are roughly equivalent. However, fanciful suggests the free play of the imagination.

a teller of fanciful stories

When can fantastic be used instead of visionary?

The meanings of fantastic and visionary largely overlap; however, fantastic implies incredibility or strangeness beyond belief.

a fantastic world inhabited by monsters

When is imaginary a more appropriate choice than visionary?

Although the words imaginary and visionary have much in common, imaginary applies to something which is fictitious and purely the product of one's imagination.

an imaginary desert isle

When could quixotic be used to replace visionary?

While in some cases nearly identical to visionary, quixotic implies a devotion to romantic or chivalrous ideals unrestrained by ordinary prudence and common sense.

a quixotic crusade

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 visionary
Adjective
In the grand scheme, Thomas Doyle’s journey shows that when ambition meets innovation and purpose, visionary outcomes come to life. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 In this compelling conversation, visionary photographer Elizaveta Porodina and Atmos co-founder and editor-in-chief Willow Defebaugh explore the intersection of art, emotion, and the environment, delving into how imagery can transcend reality and evoke profound shifts in consciousness. Photovogue, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
In a conversation just shy of an hour, the R&B and electronic music visionary pulls out all sorts of references. Elise Brisco, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2025 Space visionaries have long imagined that precious metals could be abundantly harvested from the rocks flying aimlessly through our solar system — providing nearly bottomless access to resources that can be rare and environmentally destructive to obtain on our home planet. Jackie Wattles, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for visionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for visionary
Adjective
  • There are some moments when The Actor does rouse with inspired romantic set pieces and funny reflections on the whole business of performing.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Larroquette and Alley immediately convey an easygoing romantic charm that anchors the whole film; although Ropelewski orchestrates the escalation of comic situations with meticulous care, there’s nothing mechanical about the effect thanks to Larroquette and Alley’s breezy naturalism.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Some loyal Tesla bulls are treating the drop as a temporary setback (or even a buying opportunity), while more cautious investors are rethinking their exposure.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Slow down and stay cautious: On wet roads, slowing down is paramount.
    Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The diviner and client must resolve the ambiguity or decide that in this case, the spider wasn’t saying anything at all.
    Michelle Aroney and David Zeitlyn, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
  • The diviner then asks a question in a yes-or-no format while tapping the enclosure to encourage the spider or crab to emerge.
    Michelle Aroney and David Zeitlyn, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • And with Neptune entering your sign on March 30th, get ready to tap into your inner dreamer.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • These dreamers are still dreaming, but the alarm is going off.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • These scenarios are impractical or impossible with other virtualization software.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Traditional transport methods were deemed too impractical and stressful for the beavers, making aerial relocation the most viable option.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The success of your AI initiatives doesn't depend on finding that mythical, perfect leader.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Under Azra’s oppressive regime, a rebellion headed by a mythical figure known as Uchawi, in alliance with the forest-dwelling Root Sisters, has grown in the shadows to take back Talamh and restore its magical essence.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In comments at the Morgan Stanley media conference, the Fox CEO was again extremely careful to stress that the goal is not to cannibalize linear television and Fox will not advertise it on linear television but is meant purely to capture those who cut the cord or have never subscribed to cable.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025
  • There’s potential for clarity in resolving any lingering tension, but also be careful not to speak too rashly.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Jethro—the biblical prophet Moses' father-in-law—is the most important prophet in the Druze religion and the ancestor of all Druze.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Millenarian prophets associated it with empire, persecution, and decadence, often fomenting social unrest and rebellion.
    Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Visionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/visionary. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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