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 Afrika Bambaataa, a man widely considered one of the main pioneers of hip-hop, died Thursday of prostate cancer in Pennsylvania, according to his lawyer. Arkansas Online, 11 Apr. 2026 While popular, the Air Jordan 10 was only worn briefly by Jordan following his first NBA retirement and was overshadowed by its predecessor, the Air Jordan 11, which is widely considered to be one of the best sneakers of all time. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 11 Apr. 2026 Once you're done, walk across the street to the Basilica of Jesús de Medinaceli, where a 17th-century carving—rescued by the Trinitarians—is vis considered a city treasure. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026 That work is considered a stepping stone for human exploration to Mars. Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • That was the question swirling around social media after some comments were left on the Downtown Stockton Alliance Facebook page regarding the community ambassador program.
    Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Lawson’s experienced, well-regarded and has played a lot of important football.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Zbur said future expansion would be based on its success in Santa Monica, and that such expansion is already contemplated.
    Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
  • As Jackson County officials contemplated what to call the state-of-the-art twin stadiums due to open in the early 1970s, one obvious name emerged.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Pickleball players enthused over new courts are likely to be the only residents — outside of municipal employees — who think San Diego is even slightly better run now than in 2011.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Rowing has given me a platform to be competitive and really challenge how people think about me.
    Krystle Rich, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The $50-million injection from the DFC will be used only once Rainbow Rare Earths starts construction of its processing factory in Phalaborwa, anticipated in early 2027.
    Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The analyst said that the event and the meetings provided stronger-than-anticipated clarity into future demand across various growth drivers.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There are so many exquisite, Netherlandish, hyperreal details to admire in the piece—the shadow of Giovanna’s necklace, the enamel decorations on her cross, the frizz of her hair—but there’s something about the ribbon that feels like a banner of heartbreak.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Ellis admires the passion and win-first mentality Nico Iamaleava brings to his position.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • One of my neighbors called 911 and helped with the first CPR attempts.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Dunn wielded his influence through a think tank called the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The medical drama's season 2 finale ended on a cliffhanger Thursday, April 16, with Wyle's character pondering a three-month sabbatical and a motorcycle ride across the country.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The philosopher Biggie Smalls once pondered the nature of dangerously escalating rivalries.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Detectives believe Rodriguez took the man's body, drove nearly 100 miles away to Highland and dumped the man's body in the road.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The islands are home to a very conservative branch of Calvinism which believes deeply in the Sabbath.
    Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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