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 The writer who contemplates his role as an artist in a seemingly dark world. Priyamvada Ramkumar august 18, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2025 This new reality forces strategists in Washington to contemplate what would happen if Russia and China ever coordinated attacks on, say, Eastern Europe and Taiwan. Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 17 Aug. 2025 Elzie Harrington would sit in the passenger seat, listening to his father empty his overflowing reservoir of knowledge, contemplating it, absorbing it. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025 Hodges has been contemplating his future, talking with God to figure things out. La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
Verb
  • Michael Bier of Foul Territory TV also pondered a division with the Royals, Rangers, Astros and Cardinals.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Thomas and Irish director Mark Cousins pondered over the state of the film industry during a 90-minute conversation, which also covered Harvey Weinstein, Harry Cohn and Thomas’ time spent with some of the biggest filmmakers in history.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Japan Coast Guard In areas known to contain seabed resources, these activities could be intended to prospect marine economic data that supports follow-on extractive operations, the analyst said.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The agency then intends to select up to two development teams and execute pre-development agreements by Feb. 27, 2026.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access.
    Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Many of the Red Line improvements the agency is considering either fall within the boundaries of the current RPM TIF or in districts nearby where money could be easily transferred.
    A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The primary marijuana and hemp bill hasn't passed − and some controversial ideas are off the table − but Republicans plan to resume discussions later this year.
    Haley BeMiller, The Enquirer, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The stadium would seemingly compete with Republic FC’s new stadium that is initially planned to fit 12,000 fans with the ability to expand to 20,000 or more, and also serve as a potential venue for concerts and events.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Yet, Trump’s measured tone with Zelenskyy and willingness to entertain significant U.S. involvement in a post-war security arrangement were notable after his chummy summit with Putin, heartening supporters of Ukraine.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
  • But what may have shifted is President Donald Trump's patience to entertain steadfast Russian demands.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Republican leadership hopes to allocate $447 million toward Lee's signature voucher proposal, in addition to $470 million across several disaster relief programs that have been proposed, per a leadership appropriations bill filed this week.
    Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • But some workers are hoping the UAW can help demand changes at the plant and accountability over safety.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Ohio lawmakers debated everything from home grow restrictions to penalizing passengers who smoke in the car.
    Haley BeMiller, The Enquirer, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Then, ensuring they are heard, considered, debated, and brought into solutions.
    Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • At the time, a key restriction required patients to pick up the medication in person at a hospital, clinic or medical office, which meant the doctor would have had to involve many of his colleagues in order to stock and dispense the medication, Kaye said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Aug. 2025
  • That means that Pink Floyd’s masterpiece saw its sales spike 72% from one period to the next.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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