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 That's not what the War Powers Resolution contemplated. Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 June 2025 Yet Trump, whose administration had entered into talks with Iran aimed at reaching an agreement on the country's nuclear program, has backed the Israeli offensive and has openly contemplated joining the Israeli campaign through strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025 Then again, living in New York City, there aren't many opportunities to contemplate camel textures. Matt Dutile, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025 Meanwhile, another group of people at the United Nations was contemplating a critical issue for the future of space exploration: the discovery, extraction and utilization of natural resources on the moon. Michelle L.d. Hanlon, Space.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
Verb
  • The modern 55 and older homebuyer isn’t looking to sit all day on a recliner pondering our end of life options.
    Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The two countries have been engaged in aerial strikes and Trump had been pondering U.S. involvement for the past week.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Every one of his 70-odd dishes is intended to complement drink, not the other way around.
    Derek Sandhaus, Saveur, 10 July 2025
  • The pop culture phenomenon features documentaries, educational programming and entertainment shows intended to celebrate and explore the biology, behavior and importance of sharks within marine ecosystems.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The county had considered a flood warning system on the river similar to a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, but Kelly said the idea never got off the ground and the cost would have been an issue.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 July 2025
  • If your apartment balcony, backyard patio, front porch, or garden corner could use a little love, consider adding a bistro set to your outdoor space.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Sadly for some, this signals the end for Zigbee support, as Ikea plans to replace its Zigbee gadgets with Matter devices.
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 12 July 2025
  • After severe weather cancellations on Friday, Harley Davidson Homecoming events are expected to continue as planned on July 12th.
    Kylie Volavongsa, jsonline.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • There’s no pressure to perform, no need to entertain or constantly talk.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The band’s repertoire will include a variety of music to entertain audiences of all ages.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Before his death, Young warned that education had not become the equalizer many hoped for, but rather a divider—sorting people by wealth and access rather than raw talent.
    Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Here’s hoping this new Sense & Sensibility arrives at the same time as that Pride & Prejudice—that’s a Barbenheimer-style double bill guaranteed to set the internet alight.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • While addressing the overall tax environment and tax treatment of cryptoassets is beyond the scope of any one singular week there are specific items that lawmakers need to keep front of mind as stablecoins and cryptoassets more broadly are debated.
    Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • The exact circumstances and fuzzy details of the riot have been debated and researched for decades — including an urban legend that some cadets in College Station attempted to take a howitzer to Waco via a rail car.
    David Ubben, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • That means one of those outfielders is likely to be traded or otherwise off the team in short order.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • That means if companies do as Trump asks, then America can’t raise tariff revenue from them.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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