CONTEMPLATES Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

contemplates

verb

Definition of contemplates next

present tense third-person singular of contemplate

as in ponders

to give serious and careful thought to she contemplated the problem for several hours before reaching a decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 contemplates Meanwhile, Connor contemplates revisiting an old relationship. —

Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Apr. 2026 Robert Pogue Harrison contemplates our ever-growing will to ignorance. —

Literary Hub, 20 Mar. 2026 Their bond, forged by the exotic nature of their remote landscape, begins to change as Lily enters her teenage years and Bodhi contemplates friendship and family beyond his reptilian counterparts. —

Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026 The initiative contemplates the creation of a Guatemalan Film Institute, a Film Promotion Fund, a Film Commission operating as a one-stop shop for international productions, a National Cinematheque and a National Higher School of Cinema, among others. —

Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026 Across town, Geert contemplates his situation differently. —

Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026 The coaches’ employment contracts contained language that incorporates the league constitution and contemplates arbitration for disputes involving coaches and their teams. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026 As the Colorado General Assembly contemplates legislation concerning AI, legislators need to tread cautiously. —

Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 25 Jan. 2026 Heeseung contemplates the question, before answering. —

Jae-Ha Kim, Rolling Stone, 19 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplates

Verb

While Heinrich ponders the misfiring neurons in the brain of a mass shooter, Jack’s pursuit of Mink—a character whose skin color and ambiguous ethnicity Jack remarks on repeatedly—leads him directly into the urban teeth of the War on Drugs.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
Who ever ponders the conveniences of that 20th century innovation, the airplane, that makes 21st century hustle possible?

— Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026