1
as in pondering
to give serious and careful thought to
she contemplated the problem for several hours before reaching a decision
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in planning
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
he waited patiently, contemplating revenge all the while
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contemplating
For those who have the option, more are contemplating walking, cycling, carpooling or catching the bus or train to get some relief.
—
Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Choosing among loud, louder and loudest shirts, then contemplating whether to go with jorts or florts (don’t ask) and selecting the appropriate socks and crocs, Black finally is ready to go until Sarah Sherman shows up to spoil things.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
The developers of Retro Rewind are already contemplating what an expansion could include (DVDs, perhaps).
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Some caution against directly linking evolving scientific theories to faith, while others argue that contemplating cosmic mysteries deepens both scientific and spiritual understanding.
—Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
By 1980, all three members were contemplating moving to New York, but only Almaas did.
—Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2026
Health benefits, child care assistance and other services were rolled back for the poorest Californians and the state is contemplating keeping those cutbacks in place in the coming year.
—Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Till has long been involved with a nonprofit organization called the Firekeeper Alliance, associated with Fire in the Mountains, teaching students on the reservation about how metal can be used as an outlet for catharsis as an alternative to contemplating suicide.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026
Johnson is contemplating bringing Champ to the gym for practice sessions, noting some of her teammates bring along their dogs.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Choosing among loud, louder and loudest shirts, then contemplating whether to go with jorts or florts (don’t ask) and selecting the appropriate socks and crocs, Black finally is ready to go until Sarah Sherman shows up to spoil things.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
The developers of Retro Rewind are already contemplating what an expansion could include (DVDs, perhaps).
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
Some caution against directly linking evolving scientific theories to faith, while others argue that contemplating cosmic mysteries deepens both scientific and spiritual understanding.
—Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
By 1980, all three members were contemplating moving to New York, but only Almaas did.
—Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2026
Health benefits, child care assistance and other services were rolled back for the poorest Californians and the state is contemplating keeping those cutbacks in place in the coming year.
—Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Till has long been involved with a nonprofit organization called the Firekeeper Alliance, associated with Fire in the Mountains, teaching students on the reservation about how metal can be used as an outlet for catharsis as an alternative to contemplating suicide.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026
Johnson is contemplating bringing Champ to the gym for practice sessions, noting some of her teammates bring along their dogs.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplating
Verb
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But news is expected soon on the Hall of Fame KU coach, who is pondering his future after having heart problems the past few years.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
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As new signs of a rift emerge in Western alliances, Putin and his generals are pondering plans for the spring and summer campaign across more than the 1,200-kilometer (about 750-mile) front line.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After suffering a brutal knockout at UFC Seattle, Maycee Barber is already planning her comeback.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Browne’s family is planning an event honoring him in mid-May.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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No mean feat, considering the brand’s first 24 hotels are set in remote, leafy locations that feel worlds away from real life.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Here’s why, plus a look at other states considering the move.—
Kristin Scharkey,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Tucker and her then-boyfriend, Daniel Ryan Garrett, broke into Dean’s apartment intending to steal motorcycle parts.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2026
-
On July 16, 1999, Kennedy sat in the pilot’s seat of his single-engine plane, intending to drop off sister-in-law Lauren in Martha's Vineyard before continuing to Hyannis Port with his wife for cousin Rory Kennedy's wedding.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Instead of debating calls for hours, fans get a clear answer almost instantly.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Congress would be debating mandatory water wings for airborne pups.—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The district is also looking at how to pay for aging equipment including heating, ventilation and air conditioning, which could require at least $500,000 in budget increases.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Rabell said Hernandez’s mother, who lived at the property and ran it with her boyfriend, brought her before at least one ALF owner who was looking for a new resident.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But researchers are also studying the drug’s effects on broader metabolic health, including blood sugar regulation, cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk markers.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
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Learning a language, studying abroad, or simply traveling to experience something entirely unfamiliar to you.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile, Pattinson is like a manic roller coaster on screen, increasingly off the rails as the weight of Emma’s reveal has Charlie questioning everything and reacting badly to the situation.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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The leaders of the Senate committee that oversees the FCC are questioning how the agency gave approval to the Nexstar–Tegna transaction, the massive broadcast station merger that already has been paused by a federal court.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contemplating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplating. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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