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 He’s personally invested in the Black Diamond Distance LT 1100 Headlamp, but if that’s out of your budget, consider the Black Diamond Storm 400, which has more than 1,000 five-star ratings. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025 And so consider the first reminder above. Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025 But the new guidance goes further, emphasizing that chronic diseases should be considered, said Sophia Genovese, an immigration lawyer at Georgetown University. Amanda Seitz, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2025 Police said on Thursday that detectives were still looking for Randall who remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • Fort Worth officers were called to John Peter Smith Hospital regarding a shooting victim who’d arrived for treatment.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The indictment contends that Jones provided information regarding key players on the Los Angeles Lakers’ status in advance of games on two dates to enable third-parties to make potentially favorable bets.
    Samidh Guha, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • People play backgammon and dance around a campfire next to a Music Trunk with a record turntable, while a couple contemplates a frozen lake.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Council members also are contemplating charging more for on-street outdoor dining.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • In retrospect, thinking a guy who was the ninth WR in his NFL draft class would be fantasy football’s WR10 in his second year was a tad optimistic.
    Michael Salfino, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • But the actor didn't think the story of his character on all five of the Netflix series' seasons, Will Byers, and Will's longtime friend, Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), had been fully wrapped up going into the final episode.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Will Woll’s return to the Leafs come earlier than the organization anticipated?
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Its official commissioning has been highly anticipated in China, where the country’s rapid military modernization, including the expansion of its navy, has been a deep source of national pride.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Our transition to a digital organisation has been deeply impressive, and our thriving commercial businesses are admired globally.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Snow — who plays Nile's wife, Nina — tells PEOPLE that she was thrilled to work with actors of such caliber whom she's long admired.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Jackson had contacted him about a BBC drama series called Vigil.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Anyone with information is asked to call 311 and reference activity number A25-554251.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Take the time to ponder outdated habits or emotional scars.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Advertisement China has long pondered surgical strikes against Taiwan’s leadership, though any such move is likely to be self-defeating, given the island is a sustained democracy.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Even if those traits have been on display for years and Antetokounmpo has stacked up great performances for over a decade, Turner believes people need to take time to appreciate his consistent excellence.
    Eric Nehm, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Officials believe that lightning was the cause of the fire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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