study 1 of 2

study

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verb

1
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

2
3

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
Fortunately for the couture designer, his nephew was living with him and was deep into his studies during his first year of civil engineering. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025 However, the role of methane emissions in Antarctica has not yet been fully determined, requiring more study in the future, the researchers said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
After studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse in the 1960's, Keaton ended up an understudy in the original Broadway production of the rock musical Hair. Mandalit Del Barco, NPR, 12 Oct. 2025 After high school, Keaton—who took her mother’s maiden name as her own—spent three semesters at her local junior college before leaving for New York, aged 19, to study acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse. Ellen Burney, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for study
Recent Examples of Synonyms for study
Noun
  • The Oregon Medical Board conducted an investigation and revoked Farley’s medical license in October 2020.
    Meena Duerson, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The office has launched investigations against school districts for teaching lessons on systemic racism, hosting empowerment gatherings for students of color and providing remedial help for Black youth, all of which the administration says discriminates against white students.
    Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The colorful flowers are perfect for a photo-op or casual daydreaming.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Those daydreaming of taking in the sweeping sunrise vistas across Middle Harbour just got lucky because one of the most significant abodes on the street just surfaced on market for the first time in over four decades.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The growing cap is one consideration, as a $12 million contract starting in 2025-26 is slightly different from one in 2026-27.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Justices can either uphold the Court of Appeals’ dismissal of the case or remand it back to the Court of Claims for consideration, which would then mean the legality of Michigan denying workers' compensation wages to undocumented workers who suffer injuries on the job could be debated.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Stieglitz, who is researching oyster restoration in Biscayne Bay, including studying how oysters are adapting to warmer, saltier conditions, noted that Florida requires training for shellfish harvesters that focuses on cooling oysters quickly to help ensure food safety.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The Puerto Rican scientist researches tropical atmospheric systems, with a focus on how water vapor and humidity play a key role in shaping the weather there.
    Emily Kwong, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lawson-Remer cited the connection between education and clinical practice, and the ability to keep working while learning, as the key factors in making progress in the larger goal of significantly growing the local mental health care workforce.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Pérez said medical workers who visited the station learned about her daughter’s condition and connected the family to a hospital charity care program.
    Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Geologists debate boundaries of the ring of fire While geologists widely agree upon most regions within the Pacific Ring of Fire, several areas remain subject to debate.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • With the nation's 250th anniversary approaching, many teachers, parents and politicians are debating the best ways for students to learn about American history.
    Cory Turner, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Advertisement A number of those released on Monday were then airlifted to hospital nearby for further checks after each hostage was given an initial medical examination.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The moral and human cost will be a lasting stain and requires accountability and real examination of our collective conscience and our government’s policies.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • My deep tissue massage using warm basalt stones and a local scrub made with salt from the nearby ponds left me in a dreamlike trance.
    Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Matisse dressed the part of a British gentleman and gazed at his conversation partners with a serenity that bordered on a trance.
    Christopher C. Gorham September 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Study.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/study. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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