Definition of considernext
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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 Colorado lawmakers are considering whether to carve a new path out of prison for some inmates who have served at least two decades behind bars. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2026 While certain periods of 19th-century Austin could be considered part of the Wild West, the past decades here have seen the casualty count from gun violence in Austin and statewide grow to previously unimaginable levels. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026 Abiotic stress, insufficient sunlight (less than 5 to 6 hours per day), poor drainage or inadequate watering should be considered before adding more fertilizer. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026 At the same time, the Cubs and White Sox are hard at work in Arizona preparing for the start of their seasons and considering opening day rosters. Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • There's a long history of journalists seeking interviews with world leaders, even when they are regarded as enemies of the United States.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Speaking to the theatrical experience, Spielberg made a brief allusion to the flare-up around comments by Timothée Chalamet regarding the popularity of opera and ballet in relation to the movies.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Indeed, in recent weeks, judges in two federal cases have drawn a line that seems to have eluded many others contemplating AI.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • By contemplating these three items right now, savers can better determine which of the two accounts fits their needs and goals better.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • So if a person thinks about moving their hand, the device reads those brain signals and turns them into an actual movement.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Or if a military machine with someone at the top pooh-poohing ROE thinks the rules are still a top priority.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Weissberg and Brieske aren’t the only pivotal veterans of the venue who did not anticipate its longevity and impact.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Milpitas anticipates facing a multi-million dollar shortfall over the next five years.
    Devan Patel, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Morricone, who died in 2020 at age 91, was one of the most prolific and admired composers in film history.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Spend an afternoon walking around town, popping into artist studios and galleries, and admiring the pottery, paintings, garden sculptures, and jewelry on display.
    Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Before experimenting with an early variation of Country Joe and the Fish alongside guitarist Barry Melton in the mid-1960s, McDonald started a small magazine called Rag Baby.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Small strokes, for example, can impair blood flow to the brain and trigger what’s called vascular dementia.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The marble statue, who has had centuries to ponder her own desires and discomforts, must retrain the woman to put herself first.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Anderson has been pondering it for a while.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Indigenous Māori people once believed the boulders were gourds that washed ashore from an ancient canoe wreck, but the science behind it is just as interesting as the legend.
    Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Asbille's character reportedly died of cancer, which is believed to be connected to a toxic waste dump located near a mine on the Broken Rock Reservation.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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