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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb consider differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of consider are contemplate, study, and weigh. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

In what contexts can contemplate take the place of consider?

The synonyms contemplate and consider 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 would study be a good substitute for consider?

The meanings of study and consider largely overlap; however, study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

When could weigh be used to replace consider?

Although the words weigh and consider 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 consider Also consider buying staple items that stretch meals, such as rice and beans, or plan for 'one dish' meals that are filling, such as spaghetti and meat sauce, chili, soups, or casseroles. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025 Cunningham said Reese's historic move prompted her to consider taking her own strut down the catwalk. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025 What lessons from that bankruptcy should retailers consider? Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025 Neis plans to stay in Uzès for the foreseeable future and is even considering buying an apartment, even though property prices have recently risen sharply. Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • Currently, there are no specifics available regarding the size of area burned or the crew executing the prescribed fire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Behind all of the concern about the mental health of Ukrainian children lurks a bigger question regarding the generations too young to have taken part in the unifying 2014 revolt against Russia.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Louise Hémon The jury would also like to acknowledge a director whose film transported us into an extreme landscape, and created an unsettling atmosphere that kept us contemplating the nature of lust, education, and violence.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Deacon clatters off in his truck, leaving me to contemplate my new home.
    Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, Duan cautions against thinking that AI will replace engineers.
    Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Business leaders and boosters—if not the public library’s archivist—thought rumors and legends and sub-cellars, basements, coal chutes, and other subterranean utility spaces made for a marketable product.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The institute also launched a wastewater surveillance project, geared at monitoring and anticipating disease trends in communities.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Here’s an example from early on in their epic duel, as Carreras anticipates Ronald Araujo’s pass into Yamal, and is quick to close him down in frame one.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Visit after dark to admire the city lights reflecting off the waves and pick up something unique, like a one-of-a-kind hat or jewelry made with sea glass.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • For too long, cultural currency has been admired but not measured.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After getting to the ring to call for an opponent, fans received a surprise.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While reflecting on her first performance, Furtado remembered buying the pink dress from a store called Original on Queen West in Toronto, and also picking up some sparkly platform shoes for the monumental moment.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Athletic’s Mike Jones recently wondered if Miami had to go on a postseason run to save McDaniel’s job, and CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz pondered during the Chiefs-Raiders game whether there would soon be news out of Miami.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Charles Lee pondered his answer for a split second.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With McCarthy, who many believe has an incredibly high NFL ceiling, the Vikings don’t know what to expect on a week-to-week basis — and there’s lots of room for growth.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Others believe a different origin story.
    Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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