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 Keep in mind that they're known to run big, so consider sizing down. Annie Blackman, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026 Gen Z might consider the French tuck so yesterday, but that's just one more reason for millennials to stick to our guns in 2026. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 31 Jan. 2026 As an athletic 21-year-old 7-footer who can make threes and block shots, Ware is considered by most to have the highest upside among the Heat’s young prospects. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2026 Tillis is on the Senate committee that will consider Warsh’s nomination. Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for consider
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consider
Verb
  • Ankara has long regarded the SDF as a terror group because of its ties to the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, a Kurdish separatist group that waged a longrunning insurgency in Turkey.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Over his 12-year NFL career, Mathieu became regarded as one of the league's premier defensive backs.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But the new documents show that the school has been contemplating the possibility of a move for more than a year.
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
  • After contemplating very deeply and carefully for many long hours attempting to discern a plausible alternative explanation for the rhetoric and the policies, what is the only thing that a reasonable person can conclude?
    Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Well, the one time anybody in the States thinks about Canada or used to be.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Collections and designers put their best foot forward, delivering high-caliber collections — some were uplifting, others were thought-provoking, most were both.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The high-flying sequel to 2024's box office sensation earned five nominations in total — far fewer than many awards prognosticators had anticipated — but with both Erivo and her costar, Ariana Grande, in contention in acting categories.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Jan. 2026
  • There will be increasingly high cloud cover throughout the day, but no precipitation is anticipated.
    Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The group received admiring press, and was funded by Congress and various philanthropies; the budget at Dare headquarters eventually approached twenty-five million dollars a year.
    Charles Duhigg, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Overall, there is such a sense of championing both big filmmakers people admire and discovering new talent.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Calò, a 46-year-old Sicilian, speaks passionately about El Popo, as Mexicans call the volcano, rattling off trivia.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the CMPD Homicide Unit at 704-432-8477 (TIPS) and speak directly to a detective.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Take the time to ponder outdated habits or emotional scars.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Advertisement China has long pondered surgical strikes against Taiwan’s leadership, though any such move is likely to be self-defeating, given the island is a sustained democracy.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The second device is believed to be Wi-Fi powered, according to officials.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Grams, Starbucks’ chief operating officer, said the company firmly believes its best way forward is not drive-thru-only stores or mobile pickup kiosks.
    Dee-Ann Durbin, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consider.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consider. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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