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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 To add an extra layer of security, consider using a data removal service to wipe your personal details from data broker sites that sell or expose your information. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Chicken in a steam table and gyro meat on the vertical rotisserie, both potentially hazardous foods, measured at temperatures outside the range considered safe. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Other pieces were equally considered. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025 Morning Time Early morning is considered the best time to cut most flowers. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • Currently, there are no specifics available regarding the size of area burned or the crew executing the prescribed fire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Behind all of the concern about the mental health of Ukrainian children lurks a bigger question regarding the generations too young to have taken part in the unifying 2014 revolt against Russia.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But the old flivver was ticking along, reminding Drew of happy hours—leaning on opposing fenders under its hood with Lloyd, contemplating the Dart’s latest ailment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Again, no more than one or two managers in every league should be contemplating late-season schedules and playoff matchups.
    Andy Behrens, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, Duan cautions against thinking that AI will replace engineers.
    Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Business leaders and boosters—if not the public library’s archivist—thought rumors and legends and sub-cellars, basements, coal chutes, and other subterranean utility spaces made for a marketable product.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Big-box retailers are stocking up ahead of the holidays, anticipating that demand will extend beyond traditional toy buyers like children and collectors.
    Luke Fountain, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The think tank also set out to create shadow versions of the OMB and of the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel to anticipate legal challenges and counter internal pushback.
    Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Visit after dark to admire the city lights reflecting off the waves and pick up something unique, like a one-of-a-kind hat or jewelry made with sea glass.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • For too long, cultural currency has been admired but not measured.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In their study, the gold extraction method uses a low-cost, harmless compound called trichloroisocyanuric acid, commonly used in water treatment.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • As part of the acquisition, James Cameron, whose Avatar films call 20th Century home, will act as an executive producer.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Athletic’s Mike Jones recently wondered if Miami had to go on a postseason run to save McDaniel’s job, and CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz pondered during the Chiefs-Raiders game whether there would soon be news out of Miami.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Charles Lee pondered his answer for a split second.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But even working with young elite athletes, Wolff believes everyone should take it a little easier on the generation.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Metcalf, however, believes that her character is only partially to blame for the serial killer's actions.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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