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 The last rodeo at Cummins took place in 1984, two years after the Arkansas prison system achieved compliance with federal guidelines and was no longer considered unconstitutional. Arkansas Online, 9 May 2026 Many within the group view even considering a deal with the US as capitulation. Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 9 May 2026 On Thursday, the spokesperson's office of the ministry didn’t directly answer a question about whether China would consider releasing Lai, saying that Hong Kong issues are internal affairs and foreign interference is not allowed. ABC News, 9 May 2026 Bailey, a two-time Gold Glove winner, debuted for the Giants in 2023 and is widely considered one of Major League Baseball’s best defensive catchers. Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • Once regarded as a mecca for luxury shopping, drawing visitors from across Chicagoland to experience a level of polish few suburban malls could hope to surpass, Northbrook Court today is something akin to a retail wasteland.
    Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • Last week, lawmakers struck a compromise on key language proposed in the crypto legislation regarding interest paid to users on stablecoin balances and activity.
    Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Her organs shift while contemplating policy.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2026
  • Imagine, for a moment, if former Vice President Kamala Harris had jumped into the governor’s race, as contemplated.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Even the fans who thought a playoff appearance was possible — a new coach and a lot of young talent spark hope, after all — didn’t imagine a first-round victory and strong play in the second round were within reach this season.
    Todd Harmonson, Oc Register, 9 May 2026
  • Three people who were on the ship have died, including an elderly Dutch couple who are thought to have caught the virus while sightseeing in Argentina before joining the cruise.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Brier sees progress in this area but says the time horizon for practical humanoids is longer than what most anticipate.
    Dr. Jonathan Reichental, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
  • The two-time Cy Young Award winner is set to rejoin the rotation sooner than anticipated after teammate Tyler Glasnow left a start early this week because of back trouble.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Many of us have known Lorenzo for years and admired his work.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 11 May 2026
  • Yet several additional states, from Pennsylvania to Arizona, have their own sparkly populations, with all sorts of safe events to admire them.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Officials initially called a common foul but moved to a video review as the Minnesota crowd grew restless.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • In some quarters, the closure of Spirit has been called inevitable, and even desirable.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • EBay’s board is now pondering GameStop’s offer.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 9 May 2026
  • The sequence left us pondering our pet cats and, for good measure, our worst selves.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Investigators believe Smart’s body may have been moved multiple times.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • Another casting director, Jen Rudin, believes that Baldoni will work again, but that being associated with running a contentious set could present a mark against him, at least in the short term.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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