Synonyms of contemplate

contemplate

verb

ˈkän-təm-ˌplāt 

1

as in to ponder

to give serious and careful thought to

she contemplated the problem for several hours before reaching a decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ponder
• consider
• entertain
• debate
• study
• question
• weigh
• explore
• eye
• analyze
• ruminate
• review
• meditate
• cogitate
• think (about or over)
• deliberate
• look at
• mull (over)
• wrestle (with)
• revolve
• chew on
• pore (over)
• perpend
• chew over
• digest
• turn
• kick around
• believe
• reminisce
• cudgel one's brains (about)
• reflect (on or upon)
• beat one's brains out (about)
• conclude
• reason
• muse (upon)
• opine
• speculate (about)
• absorb
• conceive
• dwell (on or upon)
• fret (about or over)
• brood (about or over)
• fixate (on or upon)
• second-guess
• assimilate
• obsess (about or over)
• drink (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• slight
• disregard
• overlook
• reject
• dismiss
• pooh-pooh

2

as in to intend

to have in mind as a purpose or goal

he waited patiently, contemplating revenge all the while

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intend
• plan
• hope
• mean
• look
• go
• wish
• try
• propose
• aim
• purpose
• calculate
• design
• meditate
• consider
• allow
• attempt
• aspire
• purport
• ponder
• figure on
• dream
• struggle
• strive
• debate
• endeavor
• accomplish
• scheme
• achieve
• perform
• execute
• effect
• mull (over)
• plot

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

Recent Examples of contemplate

The company — one of Britain’s largest public companies and an anchor of a London Stock Exchange that has lost a series of key listings to the US — has already contemplated slimming down its retail exposure. — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Madeleine is beautiful and melancholy, spending hours driving around San Francisco and contemplating a painting that seems to haunt her. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026

But other governments, including Altamonte Springs, are already contemplating big cuts to library services. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026

The city is contemplating $185 million in financial participation, including a 35-year tax revenue-sharing agreement and about $25 million to $40 million in fee waivers. — Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2026