1
as in pondering
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
2
as in planning
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 contemplating
Meanwhile, 61% of medical students are contemplating careers outside clinical practice, viewing medical school as a stepping stone to other fields in healthcare.
—
Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Over five million Syrians have been displaced abroad over the last 13 years, and many of them are now contemplating a return home.
—Karam Shaar, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2024
Hours after the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized Damascus and sent Bashar al-Assad packing to Russia, Western politicians and pundits began contemplating the possibility of a free, moderate, inclusive, and (perhaps even) democratic Syria.
—Nick Danby, National Review, 20 Dec. 2024
Scott’s giving has important guidance not only for billionaires who want to follow her example and ramp up their giving, but also for everyday donors – and investors — who may be contemplating year-end decisions.
—David Bowermaster, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Heading west, Nevada is contemplating offering a credit not for production but for infrastructure.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2024
Listen to this article In the twilight of his presidency, Joe Biden is contemplating a decision that is without precedent.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Dec. 2024
Advertisement Ford has confirmed Ontario is contemplating restricting electricity exports to the three states and said that would make electricity unaffordable for Americans.
—Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
By contemplating the ethical dimensions of AI, we are reminded of the importance of addressing the challenges people worldwide face today.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Over five million Syrians have been displaced abroad over the last 13 years, and many of them are now contemplating a return home.
—Karam Shaar, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2024
Hours after the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized Damascus and sent Bashar al-Assad packing to Russia, Western politicians and pundits began contemplating the possibility of a free, moderate, inclusive, and (perhaps even) democratic Syria.
—Nick Danby, National Review, 20 Dec. 2024
Scott’s giving has important guidance not only for billionaires who want to follow her example and ramp up their giving, but also for everyday donors – and investors — who may be contemplating year-end decisions.
—David Bowermaster, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Heading west, Nevada is contemplating offering a credit not for production but for infrastructure.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2024
Listen to this article In the twilight of his presidency, Joe Biden is contemplating a decision that is without precedent.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Dec. 2024
Advertisement Ford has confirmed Ontario is contemplating restricting electricity exports to the three states and said that would make electricity unaffordable for Americans.
—Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
By contemplating the ethical dimensions of AI, we are reminded of the importance of addressing the challenges people worldwide face today.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplating
Verb
-
While producers pondering where to set their next movie will surely be tempted, this does come at a time when those in Hollywood especially are desperate to bring production back to home shores.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Murphy, who has launched a group called the American EV Jobs Alliance to try to build bipartisan support for electric vehicles, has spent years pondering why more Republicans won't buy them.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
For new investors in their early 20s or 30s who have never experienced a market correction or for someone planning on retiring soon, experiencing a market correction can be very unsettling.—
Earl Carr,
Forbes,
25 Mar. 2025
-
Now that the former governor is planning a run for mayor, New Yorkers should hear those questions.—
Peter Arbeeny,
New York Daily News,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The rule could have prevented the government from considering important health research in setting pollution limits.—
Eric Nost,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2025
-
Among its selections this spring is this 2001 satire that, considering climate change and our incoming administration, will probably still hit pretty hard.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The Women’s Christian Temperance Union group started in 1874 intending to end the consumption of alcohol in the United States.—
Elaine Shirley,
Baltimore Sun,
12 Apr. 2025
-
China is also targeting the moon, intending to land astronauts there by 2030.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Brian Cashman, though, is still looking at every option on the table.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Panama was first to appear onto the pitch after the halftime break, looking spirited and hungry for the second half.—
Felipe Cardenas,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Despite more positive reports in previous months, concerns remain about the economic outlook, leaving policymakers and businesses questioning whether the downturn in confidence will translate to slower growth in 2024.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Singing on the beach under the stars may not stop people (or me) from questioning the legitimacy of my Asian identity, but these moments bond me to the community and culture of my grandparents.—
Acacia Gabriel,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The house had multiple assets, including a grand entrance, original details, a welcoming front porch and a two-story carriage house that offered additional space for entertaining.—
Lana Bortolot,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Again, sight lines within the home are extended, making this the area perfect for entertaining groups of all sizes, including large parties.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Truly pocket sized and weighing just 165g, FiiO says this is the ideal travel companion thanks to 12 hours of battery life and a two-hour fast-charge mode.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
5 Jan. 2025
-
Recreationally, Schnell drives vehicles weighing more than 12,000 pounds for stadiums packed with fans.—
Colson Thayer,
People.com,
4 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contemplating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplating. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share