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 What gives the Wachtell Lipton investigation credibility is not only its careful presentation of facts but also the way the context and sources are weighed and considered. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026 Right to Work laws consistently rank as one of the most important factors business leaders consider when deciding which state to relocate to or expand in, creating new jobs. Mark Mix, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026 Tarrant County’s health inspections function on a 100-point scale where a score of 100 is considered perfect and a score of 70 is considered to be extremely poor. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2026 Two were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, while the third was treated at the scene for minor injuries, Smith said. Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • Facing inflation on multiple fronts, market expectations regarding the ECB, the Fed, and the Bank of England have diverged significantly.
    , CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Despite all the resources dedicated to combat terror, the question regarding the likelihood of another 9/11 style attack, just like Pachtman vividly remembers 25 years ago, remains.
    Mark Morales, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Pegula advanced to face Sorana Cirstea, the 36-year-old from Romania who is contemplating retirement after this season.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Moreno, who in 2003 became baseball’s first Latino owner, was still contemplating a potential exit strategy, according to new club president Molly Jolly.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Carlsson doesn’t think about his impact much, but his colleagues and contemporaries sure do.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • A couple of decades ago, films about Musk and Holmes probably would have framed the pair as forward-thinking entrepreneurs and architects of a new era.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Enciso can be the bustling out-ball, the tenacious, front-footed defender and provide the moments of individual brilliance to get Ipswich out of the relegation trouble many anticipate.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Rather, the neural signals associated with threat detection and pain were most acute when people were merely anticipating the test.
    Sian Leah Beilock, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The beauty of the property itself affords endless opportunities to stop and admire, and provide context for the great artist's oeuvre.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Inspired by the Old Hollywood bon vivants Hendrix grew up admiring —Zsa Zsa Gabor, among them — Lucy is a wickedly sharp and glamorous 1940s socialite whose shows blend crowd work, magic and vaudevillian stunts.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Polcari and Lucchini emphasized that aerobic fitness reduces sweating and heat suffering, calling high physical fitness nonnegotiable for modern drivers.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • After a 3-2 called third strike with two out to Conine in the ninth was overturned on the ABS review, Zeferjahn retired Otto Lopez on a flyout to right.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Kronengold and Shaw are still pondering what will come of that if Adults gets to be renewed.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Sierra College has three quarterbacks to ponder, and all will play early, Noonan said.
    JOE DAVIDSON, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • By the time Wade was making his decision, league sources said, there was an inkling that the Sixers’ pursuit of Brown had become serious enough that those involved believed there was a legitimate chance a deal could happen.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Perhaps some voters will decide not to vote, believing the election is a fait accompli.
    Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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