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 But on Saturday, the team already considered the favorite to win the World Series got a lot better. Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026 With prices starting at just $17, consider this your sign to ditch pants for good (or at least until the weather gets colder). Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026 Another who falls into that bracket is Luca Williams-Barnett, who is considered one of the most exciting academy graduates in years. Elias Burke, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 The politically-fraught topic is also the subject of debate in Washington and in city councils and commissioners courts across the state, where communities have considered local tax incentives. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • Baresi is regarded as an AC Milan icon, having spent his entire 20-year career with the club, winning six Serie A titles and three top European trophies, and captaining the team for 15 seasons before retiring in 1997.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • In Cairo, two Egyptian sources said Hamas had agreed to several contentious points, including the handover of weapons, but had requested changes regarding the definition of the infrastructure to be dismantled, adding more talks were underway.
    Reuters, NBC news, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • James did indeed contemplate retirement after the Lakers were swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 25 July 2026
  • Because of these problems, the Federal Reserve is contemplating leaving the check processing business.
    Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Let yourself be led with heart by doing things that are healthy, mature, and growth-oriented and let go of thinking that being ready is a feeling.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Williams, after all, thinks Loveland can be the best tight end in the NFL.
    Trevor Woods, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Fernando anticipates an impact crater nearly 90 feet across and 16 feet deep (27 meters across and 5 meters deep), too small to see from Earth but visible to spacecraft.
    Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
  • First, the system has been overwhelmed with disputes — millions more than government officials had anticipated.
    Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Finishing as the top goalscorer is a record to be admired, but not every Golden Boot winner has been the best striker on the planet.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Take your time admiring the pristine yachts on the glistening blue water before directing your attention to the posh promenades of Calle Ribera and Muelle Ribera.
    Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Two of the three organizations had no idea until Anthropic called them.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Unbeknownst to David, the system, called WOPR—War Operations Plan Response—is in control of the American nuclear arsenal.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In a July 2025 text chain, an agent pondered whether facial recognition tools could be used to identify people on TikTok who admitted to being in the country illegally.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • In a July interview with Rolling Stone, Foreman pondered why his story went viral.
    Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Their success appears to have emboldened others to believe some form of change is possible.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • Stahl believes conference-wide bargaining is more likely to succeed by taking the athlete-school relationship out of the equation.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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