Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contemplate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contemplate are consider, study, and weigh. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," 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 consider be a good substitute for contemplate?

The words consider and contemplate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

When might study be a better fit than contemplate?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemplate, study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

When is it sensible to use weigh instead of contemplate?

The words weigh and contemplate can be used in similar contexts, but 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

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 contemplate Two days later, however, Trump was reportedly contemplating the use of emergency measures to implement wide-reaching tariffs. Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025 Day's 1-4 record against OSU's biggest rival even had Dispatch columnist Rob Oller publicly contemplating his ouster. Andrew King, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025 No Franchise Shift Matt Seidler, 19 years younger than Peter, also stated in his letter that relocation of the franchise from San Diego has never been discussed or contemplated – despite Sheel’s contrary claims. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 Duncan even contemplated mounting a third-party challenge to Trump as a No Labels candidate last year before withdrawing his name from consideration in March. Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for contemplate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
Verb
  • TikTok users ponder a post-TikTok world As the justices debated the fate of TikTok, Americans who use the platform for news, entertainment or to make a living were pondering a post-TikTok world.
    Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
  • There is no Alliance Independent School District, and the Keller school board is only pondering the idea of splitting the district in two, according Fort Worth city council member Charles Lauersdorf and Mayor Mattie Parker.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Though his move to Los Angeles was intended to spark a creative career, his extensive knowledge of film led to a job with United Artists Classics in their repertory film division.
    Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Trinity Metro had originally intended to stretch the line into Fort Worth’s Near Southside, an active and comparatively dense neighborhood, but budgetary pressures forced planners to bench the initiative.
    Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Johnson is considered one of the top candidates on the market.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, considered a military genius and highly respected in the South, served as the Klan’s first Grand Wizard.
    Brittany Friedman / Made by History, TIME, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The service warned travelers to slow down and use caution while driving and to plan on slippery road conditions, which could impact commutes.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Read Article > Dec 11, 2024 Chris Welch Sonos plans return-to-office push for its product teams Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge Sonos will soon encourage employees on its various product teams who live near its US office locations to come in for at least two days per week, The Verge has learned.
    Chris Welch, The Verge, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Then there was the time McEwen, while entertaining a guest at Bern’s Steak House, saw two out-of-town friends also dining at the famous restaurant.
    Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The only potential scenario of coaching in the NFL that Deion has reportedly entertained is the chance to coach his sons, quarterback Shedeur and defensive back Shilo.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The company hopes to begin shipping orders in June, and has listed shipping estimates for different countries on its campaign page.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The big picture: The company, which raised $150 million at a $1 billion post-money valuation last year, hopes to make money by charging direct-to-consumer subscription fees.
    Sara Fischer, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Legislators spent actual time debating the cannibalism bill.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Several sessions at the conference in San Francisco addressed economists’ struggles to predict and respond to inflation, including a panel in which prominent economists including Ben S. Bernanke, the former Fed chair, debated the role that government policy played in the recent inflation surge.
    Ben Casselman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The two leaders were also reportedly meant to have a meeting during this time, and Saqr said that it was delayed.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
  • That means his visibility is high, and his risk for losing awards is low.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 8 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near contemplate

Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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