1
as in ponders
to give serious and careful thought to
she contemplated the problem for several hours before reaching a decision
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intends
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
he waited patiently, contemplating revenge all the while
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contemplates
Hoover bounces back with a clean game, while Coach Prime contemplates making a quarterback change.
—
Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
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
Not everyone contemplates the cosmos, but star sign beliefs may lead us to choose our romantic partner or judge our existing partner’s motives and intentions, based on what their horoscope says.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
On Christmas Eve, facing financial ruin and disillusionment, George contemplates taking his life.
—John Dealbreuin Wealth Of Geeks, Boston Herald, 26 Dec. 2024
And now, as the store nears closing time, one of the tour participants contemplates what size leg lamp might look best in her house.
—Annie Zaleski, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2024
In her essay, Jay also contemplates whether headlines about her divorce affected her career opportunities and relationships with patients.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
If not dismissed or settled, the case currently contemplates an eight-to-10-month pretrial discovery period ending in fall 2025.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Dec. 2024
As Denzel contemplates retirement, the Washington legacy is far from over.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Dec. 2024
Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025
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
Not everyone contemplates the cosmos, but star sign beliefs may lead us to choose our romantic partner or judge our existing partner’s motives and intentions, based on what their horoscope says.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
On Christmas Eve, facing financial ruin and disillusionment, George contemplates taking his life.
—John Dealbreuin Wealth Of Geeks, Boston Herald, 26 Dec. 2024
And now, as the store nears closing time, one of the tour participants contemplates what size leg lamp might look best in her house.
—Annie Zaleski, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2024
In her essay, Jay also contemplates whether headlines about her divorce affected her career opportunities and relationships with patients.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
If not dismissed or settled, the case currently contemplates an eight-to-10-month pretrial discovery period ending in fall 2025.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Dec. 2024
As Denzel contemplates retirement, the Washington legacy is far from over.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplates
Verb
-
Song broke out with her 2023 drama Past Lives, which follows a woman from Seoul, South Korea, who ponders her relationship with a childhood friend in the decades after her family immigrates to Canada and marries an American man in New York City.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
19 Sep. 2025
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The research team carefully ponders numerous different inputs for each type of complexity.—
Nathan Goldman,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In reference to the discipline issue, JCPS defended its policies but also asked if the Office for Civil Rights intends to dissolve the resolution agreement the district entered into under the previous administration.—
Krista Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Once the league launches, Cole intends to inject playoff stakes at different times of the year, rather than waiting for October.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
As the deadline approaches and ALDOT considers its next move, Shiloh residents say their homes continue to flood.—
Maia Rosenfeld,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Unfortunately for Helsley, his Mets tenure will be on replay in the head of every general manager who even considers giving him an offer.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In an interview with Ars Technica, Fiaschetti said the company plans to keep Arcs in orbit for extended periods, ready to descend when called upon.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Prosecutors requested a 30-year sentence, and the Justice Department plans to appeal Boardman's decision.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The question is whether that hardware expands or merely entertains.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
By night, Criel entertains guests for intimate dinners — and the occasional artistic performance.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
That means Swift incorporated a portion of the pop classic's composition into her version, in this case the melody and beginning chorus lyrics.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
-
That means anyone who pays for health insurance coverage, including for plans offered through their employer, will see higher monthly premiums.—
Beth Warren,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In a third scene, the group debates what to do.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
23 Sep. 2025
-
The world often debates climate change in the language of science and economics.—
Feleti Penitala Teo,
Time,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The plan proposes an immediate ceasefire, the return of all hostages, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Patrick Suzuki, an Asian American man with insecurities about his ethnicity, proposes to Kacie McIntosh, a white woman, who says yes — only to get cold feet within hours of seeing him.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contemplates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplates. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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