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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 ISPs feared that their court loss would lead many other states to impose similar requirements, and some states are now considering legislation modeled on New York's. ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025 The Mark Twain House is reportedly considering tie-in events during the run in August. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2025 In addition, a Nissan spokesman confirmed that the company is considering offering EREV options in its mid-size and larger SUVs. Joe D'allegro, CNBC, 30 May 2025 Dolton police did not respond to requests for information about the block but Trustee Belcher said the area was considered the rougher part of the village. Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office is offering a monetary reward for information regarding the remaining suspects.
    Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Instead of a revolution, this new approach contemplated a middle way between capitalism and socialism, one premised on a cooperative relationship between workers and management.
    Time, Time, 29 May 2025
  • Though the film doesn’t provide a satisfactory resolution to these threads, the time the audience spends contemplating them is mostly enjoyable.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • One mother thought she was headed to Washington, D.C.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 1 June 2025
  • Designing and planning your garden requires thinking about when and what to grow.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) are anticipated.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2025
  • The storms are anticipated to bring quarter-sized hail (1 inch) and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Many folks have visited New Orleans and admired the ornate French Colonial architecture on display.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
  • You’re admired due to the fact that the Sun is casting you in a flattering spotlight.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • However, today most young people rarely call each other.
    Andrea Wigfield, CNN, 14 Feb. 2023
  • Marx himself would call DEI a classic case of ideology, a set of benign-seeming ideas that disguise the workings of the rulers, in this case empowered progressives.
    WSJ, WSJ, 14 Feb. 2023
Verb
  • California Democrats are now pondering the unthinkable.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 22 May 2025
  • The Sharks could have a lot to think about – or nothing to ponder at all.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • At the time of publication, the search recovered a few items believed to belong to the missing girl, including two books, a bag, sneakers, and clothing items.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 31 May 2025
  • The teen is believed to be from the Upper East Side, WABC Eyewitness News reported.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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