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
• 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 couple now keeps the tiny strands safe, even as Jessica contemplates one day turning them into a keepsake. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025

So make sure you’re involved in the money aspects of big decisions and contemplating financial trade-offs. —Kristin McKenna, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Stone Earle’s return to Abilene At no point in this voyage did Earle contemplate quitting, retiring or accept standing on the sidelines. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025

Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth, too, are contemplating suicide at rates far higher than the average youth population. —Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 9 Sep. 2025