conceive

Synonym Chooser

How is the word conceive distinct from other similar verbs?

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

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 conceive?

Although the words fancy and conceive have much in common, fancy suggests an imagining often unrestrained by reality but spurred by desires.

fancied himself a super athlete

In what contexts can imagine take the place of conceive?

While in some cases nearly identical to conceive, imagine stresses a visualization.

imagine you're at the beach

When would realize be a good substitute for conceive?

The synonyms realize and conceive are sometimes interchangeable, but realize stresses a grasping of the significance of what is conceived or imagined.

realized the enormity of the task ahead

When can think be used instead of conceive?

In some situations, the words think and conceive are roughly equivalent. However, 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 conceive The platform was conceived with a clear vision: to provide consumers a tight edit of South Asian brands that create unique skincare, body care, and hair care products. Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 The writers conceived several episodes ahead of production, which shifted from Paris to New York and back to Paris last year. Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 Showcased at the installation were the new furniture pieces conceived by the design duo for Loro Piana Interiors that included the Quarona poufs and coffee tables, made with curved wooden bands and padded seats in Ladakh cashmere and wool and alpaca. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025 Children, conceived through mass inseminations every December 24th, are collectively raised in a Center, and are known as Kodomo-chan. Elif Batuman, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conceive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conceive
Verb
  • 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
  • Photo : Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC Our interior was imagined as a mix of Alcantara and semi-aniline leather in Onyx Black, complemented by a dark chrome finish on the air vents and metallic switches, and carbon fiber for the steering wheel.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • IndieWire understands the festival was waiting to confirm Denzel Washington’s attendance, and indeed the star will be at Cannes.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In Congress, Trump’s Tariff Pullback Sparks Relief, Frustration, and Suspicion At the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt scolded reporters for not understanding the president’s plans.
    Time, Time, 10 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
  • Researchers once thought this ability was unique to humans.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Herron envisions a booming East Side that is more than a way to get to the Zoo and southern suburbs.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 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
  • The daughter of Steve Harvey is known for often mixing streetwear and couture pieces with her looks.
    Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • It was best known as the home to a long list of A-list stars, filmmakers and Hollywood insiders.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In China, markets fluctuated as investors responded to the White House clarifying that the level of tariffs on Chinese goods is now 145% -- not 125% as previously believed.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Jones believes the debate will only end when lawmakers take action.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 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
  • Aboard the Carpathia and in later accounts, survivors told horrific tales of seeing fellow passengers struggling in the water around them.
    Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Coming back, suddenly, as a stadium act is hard to comprehend for the Ragweed frontman.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Utilize process intelligence to bridge the gap between employees and machine workflows, leveraging AI to capture and comprehend data.
    Adam Bujak, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conceive. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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