realize

verb

ˈrē-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce realize (audio)
Definition of realizenext
1
as in to discover
to come to an awareness of I just realized that I can't go out to dinner tonight because I'm supposed to babysit for our neighbor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to earn
to receive as return for effort if you deposit your paycheck in a savings account, you'll realize a little interest on it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Fraser’s sculptures at the Whitney realize, in three dimensions, the sacrifice that de Monteflores’s paintings had visualized decades earlier. — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026 The most significant shift in my thinking during this research was realizing that recovery is not ultimately a personal productivity strategy. — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Just a few more things most of us didn’t realize could be at risk for some of us. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 The woman, whom Perrin did not realize worked for the festival, immediately pulled out her phone and showed her that the post had already been shared in a staff group chat. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for realize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realize
  1. discover
  2. earn
  3. see
  4. reap
  5. learn
  6. gain
  7. hear
  8. win
Verb
  • Stringr The launch near where the trio was found is roughly seven miles southwest of a different boat launch, where a car belonging to one of the women was discovered with a window broken out, state police said in a statement Wednesday.
    — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The Bronze Age tomb was discovered at Carrarzu Iddia, an archaeological site near the town of Macomer, as reported in Finestra Sull’Arte.
    — Leigh Anne Miller for ARTnews, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of discover
Verb
  • Gausman earned a high-five and slap on the back from manager Craig Counsell in the dugout after his night ended.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • After a disastrous road trip and traumatic trade deadline, Washington earned a feel-good victory.
    — Noah White, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of earn
Verb
  • While a thin sliver will remain illuminated by direct sunlight, most of the lunar surface will appear dramatically darkened with a subtle reddish-orange glow — reminiscent of a total lunar eclipse seen across North America on March 3.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • As premier, she has rarely been seen in public wearing all-black suits and boots.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of see
Verb
  • Los Angeles gave up three promising prospects for what might be a short-term rental of the 29-year-old Skubal, who will likely reap the benefits of free agency this winter.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Unsurprisingly, firms reaping profits from the AI boom steal the show.
    — Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of reap
Verb
  • Homeschool enrichment programs allow homeschooled students to participate in public school activities and learning part-time.
    — Olivia Young, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In May, Sydney learned her cancer had spread and was present in her peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdomen and pelvis, per the Cleveland Clinic.
    — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of learn
Verb
  • Huckabee noted that this partnership played out in a variety of areas, including military cooperation, especially as both worked to stop the Iranian regime from gaining nuclear arms.
    — Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The practice gained prominence under successive state administrations, with governments providing couples with wedding necessities and financial assistance.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of gain
Verb
  • Around that time, multiple officers fired stun guns — the electric shocks of which could be heard lasting about four or five seconds.
    — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In hearing their stories, Knopf came to realize that none had ever really learned how to teach children to read.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of hear
Verb
  • Louis Varland tied the game in the ninth, and the Cubs won 3-2 in 11 innings when Crow-Armstrong scored from second after stealing third and coming home on a throwing error by catcher Brandon Valenzuela.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Surprisingly, Liverpool have won the FA Cup just once in the last 20 seasons, and the Reds are 7/1 to get their hands on the oldest trophy in world football.
    — Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of win

Browse Nearby Words

realizations
realize
realized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Realize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realize. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on realize

Nglish: Translation of realize for Spanish Speakers

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