Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

contemplate

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of contemplate

1 to give serious and careful thought to
  • She contemplated the problem for several hours before reaching a decision.
Synonyms of contemplate

chew over, cogitate, consider, debate, deliberate, entertain, eye, kick around, meditate, mull (over), perpend, ponder, pore (over), question, revolve, ruminate, study, think (about or over), turn, weigh, wrestle (with)
Words Related to contemplate

muse (upon), reflect (on or upon), reminisce

analyze, explore, review

conclude, reason

second-guess, speculate (about)

brood (about or over), dwell (on or upon), fixate (on or upon), fret (about or over), obsess (about or over)

believe, conceive, opine

absorb, assimilate, digest, drink (in)
Phrases Synonymous with contemplate

beat one's brains out (about), chew on, cudgel one's brains (about), look at
Near Antonyms of contemplate

disregard, ignore, overlook, slight

dismiss, pooh-pooh (also pooh), reject
2 to have in mind as a purpose or goal
  • He waited patiently, contemplating revenge all the while.
Synonyms of contemplate

aim, aspire, calculate, design, intend, look, mean, meditate, plan, propose, purport, purpose
Words Related to contemplate

dream, hope, wish

consider, debate, mull (over), ponder

attempt, endeavor, strive, struggle, try

plot, scheme

accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, perform
Phrases Synonymous with contemplate

figure on

Synonym Discussion of contemplate

consider, study, contemplate, weigh 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
study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.
    • study the plan closely
contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.
    • contemplate the consequences of refusing
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

Learn More about contemplate

  1. See words that rhyme with contemplate Dictionary: Definition of contemplate Spanish Central: Translation of contemplate Nglish: Translation of contemplate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of contemplate for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up contemplate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games