study 1 of 2

Definition of studynext

study

2 of 2

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

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
Ankrum studies financial arcana such as the Journal of Portfolio Management and seeks out stocks — not sexy highfliers — that are bound to increase in value over the longer haul. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026 Once the study is approved by the county, Leawood will negotiate and look to approve a contract with Water Resource Solutions. Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
Since then, astronomers around the world have been studying the planet’s composition through a range of techniques including spectrography. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026 Teller and the Livermore physicists also worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to study the possibility of using nuclear explosions to build another waterway in Panama. Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for study
Recent Examples of Synonyms for study
Noun
  • Anyone can trigger an adult protection investigation by calling The Florida Abuse Hotline, 1-800-96 ABUSE.
    Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The investigation revealed that the man near the scene was the child's uncle, who was the last person known to be responsible for the child's care, police said.
    Brandon Downs, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In the album’s most beautiful moments, Triplin makes arpeggios sound like prancing through an earthly paradise and sands off juke’s rough edges to produce rhythms that seem to chug along in the margins of a daydreaming brain.
    Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 5 Mar. 2026
  • These cuts enable us to spend more time daydreaming and less time in the salon.
    Loren Savini, Allure, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • That was the backdrop for the Supreme Court’s consideration of Wong Kim Ark’s status.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The new law lays out several overarching protections for children that might seem obvious, such as the right to live in a safe and healthy environment, and appropriate safety considerations in visitation and placement decisions.
    Shannon Tyler March 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Improper use of artificial intelligence to write and research legal briefs has led to errors in four criminal cases in Nevada County, prosecutors admitted in court documents obtained by The Sacramento Bee.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The internal medicine specialist said that, while health screenings have been the main services offered in the two mobile clinics to date, the plan is to use these resources to research how the ability to visit patients can help close the treatment loop after discharge.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Come bake and learn with us—ask questions, share pics, listen to our podcast, and lots more here.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The head coach enjoys learning about the experiences of journeyman backups.
    Mike Kaye April 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The name-changing process Burbank Unified set up committees to debate the topic, first to decide whether there should be a name change, and then what the new name should be.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Instead of debating calls for hours, fans get a clear answer almost instantly.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Whether this turns out to be a goofy bit of fluff or an actual examination of power dynamics in relationships is yet to be determined (though the trailer suggests the former).
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Included in the analysis were examinations of pay distribution, employment conditions, labor load and education rates of a demographic that makes up 39% of the Golden State’s labor force.
    Nicole Macias Garibay, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In that film, unassuming victims are put into a hypnotic trance by a psychic killer to then do his murdering for him, only for that violence to become even more contagious.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Then, the repetitive descending melody is interrupted and restarts; in this musical rupture the trance is broken.
    Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Study.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/study. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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