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
  • Fans took to the comments to both praise and ponder Trainor's new look.
    Tracy Wright, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Today, train stops are preserved with wooden shelters with picnic tables, encouraging hikers, bikers, and horseback riders to stop to ponder the trail’s rich railroad history.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 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
  • Legal representatives for Nelly urged the judge presiding over the case to consider delaying the dismissal and holding St. Lunatics accountable for the legal charges incurred.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The park plans to open restaurants, trams and excursions earlier to accommodate visitors.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
  • His office also checks for defunct street lights weekly and reports them to the city and San Diego Gas & Electric for replacement, and plans to plant dozens of trees around transit corridors in his district after securing grant funding.
    Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Rahill has an endless supply of stories to entertain his passengers, from dicey black bear encounters to scraping mites off his hand with a knife after handling an armadillo.
    Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Chattanooga, Tennessee Equal parts city escape and nature retreat, Chattanooga offers tons of activities to keep your group entertained, plus great food and plenty of art.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 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
  • Callahan said the uncertainty is why many are debating whether to buy or sell shares and why companies such as Klarna, StubHub and Chime are reportedly delaying their initial public offerings.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Such historical revelations, belatedly publicized and debated, were necessary, yet immeasurably painful.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 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
  • The area normally can expect 38.4 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Chicago was warmer than average during the 2023-24 season, which meant snow was scarce.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 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 20 Apr. 2025.

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