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

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 contemplate King Penguins contemplating the snow on Heard Island, Antarctica. Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025 And while our country struggles to keep from crumbling, Mr. Trump is contemplating a third term as president. Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025 Campbell, who joined the Dolphins in search of an elusive Super Bowl ring, contemplated leaving the Dolphins late last season to join a contender. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025 To recognize the Fed’s insignificance, all readers need to do is contemplate all the attention given the central bank by economists and pundits. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
Verb
  • Once the news of her pending nuptials to ex-professional snowboarder Shaun White hit, inquiring minds were quick to ponder what her bridal beauty prep and wedding makeup looks might entail.
    Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Exploring themes of empty consumerism, social isolation, and toxic masculinity before that phrase entered the cultural lexicon, American Psycho gives the audience a lot to ponder in addition to operating as an entertaining horror film.
    Johnny Loftus, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The spaces from which Trump seeks to exclude the AP are not a press facility like the Brady Press Briefing Room and are intended for the president’s personal use, McArthur argued.
    Ella Lee, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The administration claims the cuts are intended to reduce redundancy and inefficiency.
    Catherine Blackwood, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The dispute ended up before the Supreme Court, and Chief Justice John Roberts put that deadline on hold to allow the high court more time to consider the matter.
    Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Lastly, there’s also the number of pockets to consider.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Local clubs planned their yearly budgets around when their members could work the concession stands.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The new vehicle is also planned for eventual production in China and Europe, Reuters has previously reported.
    Abhirup Roy, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In a sweet moment shared by the NBA, Clark was seen entertaining two of White's sons, bringing them into frame to wave at the camera when she was captured on the Jumbotron.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The change is one that has left Morton suitably entertained.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Road to Palmyra After years of violence, Syrians hope to restore the ancient city in the desert.
    The Dial, The Dial, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Now Versace will be part of the Prada family and hope to experience the same growth as its parent company, as last year, revenues at Prada Group jumped 15 percent, to more than $6 billion.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 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
  • The origins of the pandemic have been hotly debated since its start.
    Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Hitting that figure would rely deeply on the $880 billion charged to the Energy and Commerce Committee, which means Medicaid would necessarily be affected.
    Mike Lillis, The Hill, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Wakeful rest means just doing nothing: letting your mind relax.
    Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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