STUDY Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'study' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of study are consider , contemplate , and weigh . While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae. // study the plan closely

Q: When might 'consider' be a better fit than 'study'?

The meanings of consider and study largely overlap; however, consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision. // refused even to consider my proposal

Q: When would 'contemplate' be a good substitute for 'study'?

The synonyms contemplate and study 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

Q: When is 'weigh' a more appropriate choice than 'study'?

Although the words weigh and study 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

study 1 of 2

noun

ˈstə-dē

Definition of study next

as in investigation

a systematic search for the truth or facts about something conducted a study to determine the sleep needs of adolescents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in daydreaming

the state of being lost in thought found her staring at the fire in a deep study

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in consideration

a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something the idea is under study by the city council

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

short shrift

study

2 of 2

verb

as in to research

to use the mind to acquire knowledge you'll have to study hard and learn all about the Revolutionary War in order to pass the history test

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to learn

to commit to memory having carefully studied the document, he could repeat what it said exactly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to debate

to give serious and careful thought to scientists who study the origin of the universe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb study differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of study are consider, contemplate, and weigh. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

When might consider be a better fit than study?

The meanings of consider and study largely overlap; however, consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

When would contemplate be a good substitute for study?

The synonyms contemplate and study 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 is weigh a more appropriate choice than study?

Although the words weigh and study 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 study

Noun

The control group avoided all peanuts for the duration of the 18-month study. —

Michael Franco, New Atlas, 11 Feb. 2025 As Top Legacy Streaming Titles Of 2024 For the purposes of the study, protagonists are the characters from whose perspective the story is told. —

Tom Tapp, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025

Verb

The first amendment was to establish an interim study committee to study a procedure for how to elect school board members and the amount they should be paid. —

Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2025 Summary The health benefits of turmeric in food, such as in turmeric shots, are still being studied. —

Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for study

Recent Examples of Synonyms for study

Noun

The number of American digital nomads has significantly increased, but successfully merging work and travel requires careful consideration of routine, community building, and time for exploration.

— Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
The committee heavily relies on MaxPreps computer rankings in the section’s new playoff format across all sports, but other criteria such as head-to-head and strength of schedule are also taken into consideration.

— Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2025