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

Prior and McGuiness are still contemplating who will follow Sánchez. — Katie Woo, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Harry was said to have been contemplating bringing his children to meet the king. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026

The Sox are contemplating selecting either UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson or Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey with the first pick. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

This ambitious strategy, known as marine cloud brightening (MCB), has been one of several geoengineering strategies contemplated as a way to counteract global warming. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 8 July 2026