Definition of considernext
1
2
3
4
5

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 As the Moon meets retrograde Mercury, consider whether you were included in the decision or simply informed afterward. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 2026 Police asked for help finding a missing 71-year-old Kansas City man who is considered endangered. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026 Crystal Salter’s family said police have closed the case and have not considered any other suspects in her death. — Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026 Same street, different risks When these other factors are considered, your home’s true flood risk is far more complex than the map might seem to indicate. — Yilei Yu, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • New details have emerged regarding the arrest of Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle’s father, on charges of possessing child pornography.
    — Antonella Rossi, Vanity Fair, 11 Nov. 2026
  • South Holland police responded Friday evening to the 14800 block of Perry Avenue regarding a report of shots fired, the village said in a statement.
    — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • To that end, there are some important life insurance moves that policyholders should seriously contemplate making currently.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The novel begins with Percheron contemplating news of Field’s death, and proceeds to trace their youths, including their meeting, in 1807, when Field is humbled by Percheron’s virtuosity on the piano.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Come to think of it, the midterm results demonstrate not only the vibrancy of our democratic system but also the limits of using communication for deception.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Peter Brown thought his new prefab home would be completed by at least 2027, but his contractor is asking for tens of thousands more to finish the job.
    — Jasmine Viel, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • These will include a next generation of landers the agency anticipates needing once humans have started to return to the moon regularly.
    — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But there were delays that set back their timetable for opening, including significantly more repair work than originally anticipated.
    — Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Willett admired his punk style and conviction that a band’s artwork matters as much as its music.
    — Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The Dolphins admire Willis for his toughness practicing and playing through the groin injury the past two weeks.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • But on November 29, 1777, a small group of Spanish settlers moved into the area to establish a civilian agricultural town, called El Pueblo de San Jose, to provide food for the missions and presidios.
    — John Ramos, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The leaves are steeped in a hollowed gourd and the drink is sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla, and the gourd passes from hand to hand among friends, family and sometimes strangers, refilled for hours.
    — ISABEL DEBRE, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • In California, voters pondered whether to approve a one-off 5% tax on individuals with more than $1 billion in assets, with most of the money raised going toward health care services.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Plenty of others, namely frustrated fans, are pondering the other stuff for him.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • At its heart is a figure shaped like a mountain which is believed to be the god Yúcahu.
    — James Rampton, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Investigators believe Suarez, 28, was likely the victim of a random attack when she was stabbed in the neck on a bike trail along the Shore Parkway Greenway promenade off the Belt Parkway near Canton Ave.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster