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 Though designed for crops engineered to tolerate it, dicamba is widely considered a volatile herbicide because of its tendency to drift. Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 Other towns, such as Milford, are considering a moratorium on the use of the cameras. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026 Wrobleski and Roberts considered Saturday’s outing a solid one, sans the 88-mph slider to Ortiz on the right-middle part of the plate. Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Columbine is carrying that sense of urgency into this season, especially considering the Rebels are moving down to Class 4A and have a chance to be an immediate contender in their new, lower classification. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • Almost since its inception, Westman Atelier has been the subject of speculation regarding a potential acquisition.
    Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts is urged to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The group’s predictions are nightmarish and agonizing to even contemplate.
    Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • As South Korea and Japan contemplate acquiring the bomb, the START treaty has expired, and China won't negotiate on arms control.
    Editorial Board, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Beyond the rooms, the hotel offers experiences that turn a stay into a real adventure; think horseback riding through Konavle, an ATV or buggy safari, sea kayaking around the Old Town walls, or even a private Game of Thrones tour through the city.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Westerns are often thought to glorify the violence and vigilantism of the 19th-century towns on the expanding American border.
    David Faris, TheWeek, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The pro-presidential Adilet party is widely predicted to win an overwhelming majority, with several smaller parties loyal to Tokayev also anticipated to enter parliament.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Bauer said the city does not anticipate any salt shortages during the 2026-27 season.
    Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The result is a category where scientific performance and consumer experience have evolved in tandem, making Korean sunscreens among the most admired in the world.
    Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • To explore Great Basin above ground, hit the 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, a mountainous road winding up to 10,000 feet of elevation, with trails, lakes, and pine groves to admire along the way.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Though Derrick Moore had never played or coached the sport, that didn’t stop him from starting a team so the students could have an extracurricular activity to call their own.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The supplement glutathione, given through an IV or an inhaler-like machine called a nebulizer, has not been proven to be safe or effective and could expose firefighters to illness if there is contamination while it's produced, experts say.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • While Tavares coach Gavin Jones ponders how to replace 18 transfer players heading into the season, just down Route 441, new Eustis coach Tanner Harris is pumping some energy into a program that has had four coaches in three years.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Though not outright as conceptual as its predecessors, La Nueva Violencia leaves room to ponder celebrity overexposure and the mind-warping effects of the content age.
    Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • New figures show nearly two-thirds believe AI heightens the need for human discussion, a figure that jumps to 82% for critical decisions.
    Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Only Brentford’s Michael Kayode (164) sent more long throws into the penalty area than Ampadu (135) last season, but Brenden Aaronson believes his captain is looking even more dangerous.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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