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 In an ordinary year, few taxpayers would contemplate reckless disregard for the data on a tax return. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025 After stealing a security guard’s gun (and his wife’s Lorazepam), the mentally unwell husband and father contemplates some violent solutions to his problem during a couple of vivid daydream sequences. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025 And a survey by Direct Selling News showed that 67% of MLM companies are either contemplating or have already implemented business model changes. Lisa Maynard, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 For starters, Will was contemplating to take the next step in their relationship. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
Verb
  • For the six years between the two boys’ deaths, James, too, was pondering suicide—Vincent’s, and then, at some point, his own.
    Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Fans took to the comments to both praise and ponder Trainor's new look.
    Tracy Wright, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • To be built close to junction 10 of the M1 motorway for easy access by car, it was intended to have a removable grass pitch, which would have made Luton the first club to use such technology.
    Tom Burrows, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Conceived by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, who later went on to design several of America’s iconic national park lodges, the building was intended to fold seamlessly into its environment—working to complement the natural beauty of its surroundings rather than overpowering it.
    Sophie Mendel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Rectangles of prospective dimensions are considered.
    Sarah K. Rich, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
  • This result is far from a disaster though, as key Flamengo players had just returned from a busy international break, and visitors Inter are also considered title contenders.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The team plans to debut Painter in July after a successful return (so far) from Tommy John surgery that knocked out his past two seasons.
    Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The only thing shocking about this story is that the Washington elites are stupid enough to coordinate their latest military adventure on a messaging app like a bunch of teenagers planning a keg party.
    Jesse Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • As Von Teese straps on a new corset and Christian Louboutin heels, her fleet of fast-tapping dancers entertain the audience.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
  • While older teens might appreciate its message about family and independence, younger kids will likely be more confused than entertained.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • With few first round draft picks upcoming, and now the threat of being mediocre to attract free agents, the best the Mavs can hope for is that Kyrie comes back from injury to pair with AD.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Currently, the team seems to be hoping to take either edge rusher Abdul Carter or two-way player Travis Hunter.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The principals often debate various courses of action and present it to the president for a final decision.
    New York Times, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Listen to this article With the state spending $378 million last year on overtime, legislators are debating a controversial bill to eliminate overtime from state pension calculations.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This meant many people started to want to be comedians, which fed into that culture of competition.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Pileggi can’t write outside of his own sandbox, which means that DeNiro indulges the usual nefariousness.
    Armond White, National Review, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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