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 But a majority of these patients have never contemplated suicide. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025 Yet the perpetual sad boy is already contemplating the extent of his mortality — and his legacy. Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025 Ventura described Combs’ psychological and physical abuse as ultimately demolishing her sense of self, stifling her career, and leading her to contemplate suicide. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025 Over the years, developers have contemplated various alternative uses, including a 42-story apartment tower proposed by Bosa Development. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
Verb
  • That could also come into play as Dungey and her team ponder more comedies on TBS and another tentpole drama for TNT.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • While Malibu leaders ponder the future, the state of most of the septic systems along PCH remains a mystery.
    James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • What was intended to be a private moment became a raw, honest portrayal of the bittersweet reality of being far from home.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 11 May 2025
  • More: Trump stops South Africa aid over land act intended to address apartheid legacy South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has disputed Trump's claims about land confiscation and discrimination against white South Africans.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Dolton police did not respond to requests for information about the block but Trustee Belcher said the area was considered the rougher part of the village.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Barker Woods is now considered an old-growth forest, based on the age of the trees, but they were planted by the Barker family on acreage that was once farmland.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • The Miami-headquartered Restaurant Brands International (RBI) plans to spend up to $700 million through 2028 as part of its plan to revitalize Burger King.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • But experts warn that unless Americans start planning for longer lives now—incorporating realistic longevity assumptions, controlling debt, and boosting retirement savings—the growing population of centenarians may be financially worse off than ever.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Flanked by its banking advisors at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Robey Warshaw, ITV has reportedly been entertaining potential suitors since at least last November.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 May 2025
  • The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • But the defense is hoping to cast her recollections merely as sickening details in a deranged love story between two consenting and jealous adults.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • But anyone hoping to hit the open road needs to know one thing: some drivers just aren't very nice, especially in certain states.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The House Ways and Means Committee debated House Republicans' broad tax plan.
    Riley Beggin, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Social Media Reacts Posters on the Reddit forum r/TSA debated whether people should have been prepared for the change.
    Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • And climate change means that globally summers on average could get less buggy.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 20 May 2025
  • This new model means fewer jobs, shorter employment periods and diminishing opportunities for mid-level writers to develop their craft and climb the career ladder.
    JD Barker, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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