study 1 of 2

study

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verb

1
as in to research
to use the mind to acquire knowledge you'll have to study hard and learn all about the Revolutionary War in order to pass the history test

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb study differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of study are consider, contemplate, and weigh. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

When might consider be a better fit than study?

The meanings of consider and study largely overlap; however, consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

When would contemplate be a good substitute for study?

The synonyms contemplate and study are sometimes interchangeable, but contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

When is weigh a more appropriate choice than study?

Although the words weigh and study have much in common, weigh implies attempting to reach the truth or arrive at a decision by balancing conflicting claims or evidence.

weigh the pros and cons of the case

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 study
Noun
This marks the first time that climate change has surpassed the other threats, according to the study team. Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025 In their study, Kiang, Lo and colleagues ran large-scale simulations to explore how measles and three other infectious diseases—diphtheria, polio and rubella—could spread across the U.S. under various levels of childhood vaccination. Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
The now-defunct Palm Center research institute, which studied LGBTQ+ military participation, found that trans health care costs the Department of Defense roughly $3 million annually, less than one-tenth of one percent of the department’s budget. Abby Monteil, Them., 25 Apr. 2025 Tosca works in the entertainment industry After graduating from high school early, Tosca went on to study film at the University of British Columbia, per The Sydney Morning Herald. Alex Gurley, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for study
Recent Examples of Synonyms for study
Noun
  • But the once-inconceivable consideration of tax increases underscores the tricky task that Republicans have in meeting competing demands from fiscal hawks, moderates and tax slashers for the ambitious party-line bill — as well as the rise of populist instincts in the party.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Creating New Garden Beds Choosing the right spot for a new garden bed takes a lot of consideration.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As the institute has grown and evolved, its scientists now research construction, oil and gas extraction, firefighting, law enforcement and service work.
    Catherine Blackwood, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Arakawa reportedly researched symptoms associated with COVID-19.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Investigators also learned that a friend of Johnson's had pawned a handgun for him.
    William Morris, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The police first learned of suspicious behavior from an April 7 call that led them to an 11-year-old boy who said that an unknown man had videotaped him in a restroom.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Before the second tribal council, players in David's group debated between either voting out Cedrek McFadden or Shauhin Davari.
    Emily DeLetter, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Kicking things off, Samantha, who had been debating on leaving the show in the previous episode, managed to pull Farmer John, 25, aside for what proved to be a pivotal conversation.
    Dory Jackson, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That account, however, could open him up for the first time to cross examination on the witness stand.
    Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Indeed, the true subject of the film’s examination turns out to be Nina herself, a doctor whose steady, unfailingly professional surface barely conceals self-lacerating anguish.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Parham, a former Methodist married to a woman from a Quaker family, had come to Kansas from Iowa, after touring holiness camps and talking with global missionaries, some of whom told him about seeing recent converts slip into trances and speak in tongues.
    Casey Cep, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Lady Gaga is in a trance from Lucy Dacus covering one of her Mayhem songs.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While deliberations of the Council will be mostly behind closed doors, the Parliament uses a more open legislative process.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Stermer was found guilty after seven hours of deliberation, according to WWMT.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Keep reading for a deep dive into Bezos’s splashy property portfolio.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Chicago Tribune In one of the lawsuits, a lawyer for the government read a statement in federal court in Oakland, California, that said ICE was restoring the student status for people whose records were terminated in recent weeks.
    Kate Brumback, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Study.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/study. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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