Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contemplate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contemplate are consider, study, and weigh. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," 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 consider be a good substitute for contemplate?

The words consider and contemplate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

When might study be a better fit than contemplate?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemplate, study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

When is it sensible to use weigh instead of contemplate?

The words weigh and contemplate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 contemplate The captaincy has been given to batter Shubman Gill, 25, a fine top-order player who is easy on the eye, but now contemplating one of the most pressured jobs in sport. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 June 2025 The settlement contemplates O’Neal paying $1.8 million. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 June 2025 The surreal experience has led Lee, who also co-founded the Tigers Supporter Group, one of nine subsections that comprise the official LAFC fan base across the city, to contemplate breaking a cardinal rule of sports fandom by straddling her allegiances and wearing both teams’ colors. Josh Gross, Oc Register, 15 June 2025 But the restrictions being contemplated would be far-reaching. Bernard J. Wolfson, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
Verb
  • But something else to ponder: If the 2025 Club World Cup is a bit of a wash-out, will 2029 attract enough money to offer a similar prize pot?
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • The time to ponder that question, set up boundaries, and guide how A.I. is assimilated into our workflow and lives was yesterday.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Basically, the administration intends to fix the budget shortfall by using a soft-hand approach with hiring, personnel and operational matters.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Striped Button-downs Nautical stripes have been making major waves this summer (no pun intended), especially in the form of a breezy button-down top.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Many consider the cases to be politically motivated, although Erdogan’s government contends that the courts are impartial and free of political involvement.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
  • Despite its short length the canyon trail is rugged, so be sure to wear good hiking shoes and consider bringing a trekking pole.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Recalibrate and communicate benefits around employee needs and value – Over the next three years according to the new survey, more than half (57%) of employers plan to reallocate or rebalance their benefit spending, adding or enhancing some benefits while reducing or removing others.
    John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • In especially timely news, Wintour announced last week her plans to down as American Vogue’s editor-in-chief after 37 years.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Being able to bring authentic mental health stories to life in a way that both resonates and entertains is an increasingly valuable skill, and one that can set you apart in today’s media landscape.
    Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Hairpin turns and stressful pit stops go a long way toward entertaining F1 fans and neophytes alike, though melodrama and a bloated run time put the brakes on what should be a film that zips.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The United States had once hoped to distance Belarus from their Russian relations during the first Trump administration, but Lukashenko won in a landslide victory in 2020 that has been criticized for being neither free nor fair.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 21 June 2025
  • Here’s hoping for more novels with Mrs. Blossom in the lead.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • The Senate continues to debate the bill before sending it back to the House.
    Jay O'Brien, ABC News, 30 June 2025
  • The extent of the damage to Tehran’s nuclear program has been hotly debated ever since.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • That could mean even greater affordability for smaller businesses adopting AI for their businesses.
    Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • That meant buying physical books offered a legal workaround.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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