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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb consider differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of consider are contemplate, study, and weigh. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

In what contexts can contemplate take the place of consider?

The synonyms contemplate and consider 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 would study be a good substitute for consider?

The meanings of study and consider largely overlap; however, study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

When could weigh be used to replace consider?

Although the words weigh and consider 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 consider Still, The Athletic reported in early August that the club was not considering a Plan B. Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025 Intersex people have variations in chromosomes, hormone levels or anatomy that differ from what’s considered typical for male and female bodies. Lisa Song, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025 As Rolling Stone has previously reported, Trump administration officials have considered everything from sending in special-ops soldiers to assassinate cartel leaders to using drones or other military aircraft to conduct air strikes on cartel infrastructure and drug labs. Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025 Because its presence still needs to be confirmed with more observations, for now it's considered just a candidate planet. Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • The school notified Phoenix police about concerns regarding Rebekah's welfare earlier this year after a school resource officer visiting her home saw the girl with a black eye and reached out to DCS, Holman said.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The incident was reported Wednesday at 2:37 p.m., and the most recent report regarding this incident was released on Wednesday at 3:28 p.m.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The company is now contemplating a Series B round as well, with a specific goal of opening new market segments.
    Jim Vinoski, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Shein is reportedly contemplating moving its headquarters back to China (where the company was founded) from Singapore, its current base, Bloomberg reported.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The American consumer thinks other countries are paying these tariffs.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • An invasive planthopper native to Asia, the spotted lanternfly is thought to have entered the U.S. via egg masses on a stone shipment in 2012, according to Cornell Integrated Pest Management.
    Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The investment in anticipating problems eliminates the need to solve them reactively.
    Tarun Galagali, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • On Friday, after both Crushers GC and Smash GC advanced to the semifinals, fans anticipated a thrilling singles showdown between the two captains. Koepka, who named himself Smash's No. 1 singles player, seemed ready.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Consumers admire its product for its originality and adaptability.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Wachner had largely been out of the public eye in recent years, but his arrest on Aug. 20 marked a stunning development in the career of a musician who was once highly lauded and admired, particularly in New York.
    Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Breakouts might call for the Salicylic + Green Tea Exfoliating Cleanser and Aloe + Algae Lightweight Gel Cream, whereas dry skin might crave a boost of moisture from the Hyaluronic + Arnica Hydrating Serum.
    Lisa DeSantis, Allure, 14 Feb. 2023
  • However, today most young people rarely call each other.
    Andrea Wigfield, CNN, 14 Feb. 2023
Verb
  • Journal, ponder on a walk or seek out listening from a career coach.
    Cara Heilmann, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Sorrentino’s script cleverly ponders the difference between the truth absorbed up close and the law, which is viewed from a distance.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The defense, meanwhile, believes the law is on the parents' side.
    Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The cause of the fire is believed to be of natural origin.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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