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

Examples 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 Doctor Sleep filmmaker Flanagan is reportedly conceiving Clayface as a horror-thriller-tragedy. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024 It was initially conceived as a time of fasting and penitence, not unlike Lent, during which observant Christians prepared themselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024 The family film was conceived as a Disney+ series before it was reimagined as a feature movie. Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Nov. 2024 It was first conceived as a Disney+ streaming series, then rejiggered as a conventional, old-school theatrical feature, because no matter how hard major studios try to phase out theatrical in favor of their ever-ravenous streaming platforms, the right movie in theaters can still make a bundle. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conceive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conceive
Verb
  • Van Buren, who commissions the project and calls it the Institute, imagines a whole hilltop campus with a combination auditorium, gym, and chapel designed by his personal architect in the most advanced modern style.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024
  • So imagine how Schoen and Daboll feel, with their jobs already deservedly in jeopardy if not already forfeit once this disaster season comes to an end.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Maddy disappears and upon returning, years later, works to convince Owen (now played by Justice Smith) that the world of The Pink Opaque is realer than either understood as teens.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
  • The Dial offers readers a glimpse into the world beyond their borders, a monthly syllabus for understanding tumultuous times that challenges assumptions and presents new writing that delights.
    The Dial, The Dial, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • She is thought to have walked east from the Mather Point area, possibly toward the Bright Angel Lodge or Hermits Rest, the park service said.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Privateer assists manned spacecraft, as well as the essential services that Earth relies on – think GPS and climate monitoring – by creating a data infrastructure that provides a real-time map of all the satellites and space debris surrounding Earth, all for free.
    Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Instead of another take on the battle royale genre, this new studio has been working on several projects, most notably a survival game called Prologue: Go Wayback!, which are envisioned as pieces of a bigger puzzle.
    Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Ohio Republicans will hold 73% of seats in the Senate and 66% of seats in the House starting in 2025, so that threshold might not be the check Blessing envisioned.
    Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Don't ever be afraid to ask questions, because there's almost always somebody there who will know what the heck is going on.
    Anika Reed, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
  • This makes sure everyone knows exactly what to expect from day one.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • If the report is true, the 49ers will have to make some serious decisions regarding Purdy, who many believed was San Francisco's next franchise quarterback.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Tennessean high school sports writer Tyler Palmateer discovered in his reporting on this statewide project that many coaches believe these projects have become a necessity.
    The Tennessean, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The paying customers had seen this movie multiple times before.
    Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Decide below, then see what readers across the globe think.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Semantic Understanding These technologies can comprehend the semantic meaning of conversations, not just individual words.
    Vinay Goel, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • However, the beings were unable to comprehend human emotions like love, adding a philosophical layer to the narrative.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near conceive

Cite this Entry

“Conceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conceive. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

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