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 Something good could be brewing among this Panthers front-seven considering Carolina only allowed 46 rushing yards against the Lions in Week 4. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026 Jaylen Brown arrived in Philadelphia as the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade, while LeBron James later chose the Sixers after considering several teams in free agency this offseason. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Both could have been considered lapsed Catholics, disillusioned with the church’s position on homosexuality and its insistence that divorcees get an annulment before remarriage. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 As developers use 8-30g to advance four- and five-story building plans in suburbs that otherwise wouldn’t consider them, both political parties are saying voters should look at what’s happening. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • First introduced in Stephen King’s 1974 novel, Carrie, the character was immortalized in director Brian De Palma’s 1976 adaptation, widely regarded as one of the best horror films of all time.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Sacramento County officials previously told The Sacramento Bee that there is no official local ordinance in the county code regarding pet burials.
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In Eatontown, Daunt got out of the car in a strip mall, to contemplate a mild calamity.
    — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Parents contemplate a future where their children graduate into a world where AI has taken over all entry-level jobs.
    — Kiryn Hoffman, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Most Americans don’t want more data centers and think AI is developing too fast.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Although the mattress developed some minor misshaping after a month of heavy use, Moon still thinks it’s packed with value.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Duo could also prove more accessible than some industry watchers had anticipated.
    — MacKenzie Sigalos,Kif Leswing, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Some strategists, anticipating that the committee may raise flags, now try to get ahead of the process by submitting additional documentation, including filmmaker quotes and source materials, to explain why a film belongs in its intended category.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • On top of these heat-seeking missiles, the platforms play to humans’ (particularly teens’) need to be accepted and admired by peers.
    — Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • As for the suites, the highlight is their private terraces, peaceful havens from which to admire, paradoxically, the urban whirlwind swirling below.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Perhaps this is why fashion mogul Nigo calls his latest venture Human Made.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The Associated Press called and emailed city and Police Department officials but did not immediately receive responses.
    — Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • No one interested in pondering what looks like an intractably difficult conflict need turn their attention to Iran or Israel.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Newsom, in the podcast, appeared to already be considering them while pondering what to do next.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Fennel believes the Halifax team may eventually pin its estimate to within 10 percent.
    — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The Hulu series also stars Sam Nivola as a teenager who awakens from a coma after an accident believing his mother (Britton) is an impostor.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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