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 Look out for crystals, beading, and embroidery arranged with enough precision to feel considered rather than excessive. — Corinne Pierre-Louis, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026 While punk rock could be considered a state of mind, Sombr practically embodied the old adage in a custom ERL fall 2026 ensemble while in attendance at the 2026 MTV VMAs held tonight in Los Angeles. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026 The Swiss presidency rotates each year among its members and the largely ceremonial role of president, currently Guy Parmelin of the Swiss People's Party, is considered a first among equals. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 Smith is considered a major longshot to unseat Dru Smith as the Heat’s backup point guard. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • In my own experiment, Claude was able to recognize that my genome file did not contain enough information to make reliable conclusions regarding genetic risk scores for common diseases.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
  • From a single vantage, it is easily regarded as a static group of sculptural elements.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The connection to ego may help explain why rejections are so painful, even for people who had already been contemplating ending their relationship—but then their partner beat them to the punch.
    — George Loewenstein, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Alongside the city’s support, plans contemplate roughly $540 million in state support and $2 billion in private financing.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Truly everything has been thought of and carefully considered.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • When presented together and thought juxtapositionally, the works launch visitors onto an emotional pendulum that pivots from exhilaration to unease and distress.
    — Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The sun's intense flare-ups had put the telescope on a downward spiral faster than engineers anticipated.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The project anticipates about 50 to 60 surfers in the lagoon at a time on an average day and as many as 90 during peak periods.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Helen admired pheasants and kept their long, rusty feathers in her sewing room.
    — Tom Drury, Harpers Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Along the way, stop at Claife Viewing Station, which was originally built in the 1790s for early visitors to admire the landscape.
    — Alessia Armenise, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • His best friend’s wife recently called him asking for a loan.
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026
  • To that end, the Senate group that oversees the CFTC is called the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • It might be pondered, for example, by people who love pets, consider the ethics of eating meat, or worry about the biosphere.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026
  • For more than a year, industry stakeholders in Georgia and the rest of the country have pondered how public policy could help jolt the film industry in the United States.
    — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Today, scientists believe these subterranean formations could offer a reliable solution to the clean energy transition’s biggest storage challenge.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Russia took a step toward that future in August, when three Ukrainian civilians outside a gas station in Zaporizhzhia were killed by a drone believed to have been fully guided by AI.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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