Synonyms of contemplating

contemplating

verb

present participle of contemplate

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

• pondering
• considering
• debating
• studying
• questioning
• eyeing
• entertaining
• weighing
• exploring
• reviewing
• analyzing
• deliberating
• cogitating
• ruminating
• meditating
• thinking (about or over)
• looking at
• wrestling (with)
• revolving
• mulling (over)
• chewing on
• turning
• digesting
• poring (over)
• perpending
• chewing over
• kicking around
• beating one's brains out (about)
• reminiscing
• reasoning
• reflecting (on or upon)
• cudgeling one's brains (about)
• concluding
• believing
• musing (upon)
• opining
• absorbing
• speculating (about)
• conceiving
• brooding (about or over)
• fretting (about or over)
• dwelling (on or upon)
• second-guessing
• assimilating
• obsessing (about or over)
• fixating (on or upon)
• drinking (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignoring
• disregarding
• overlooking
• rejecting
• dismissing
• slighting
• pooh-poohing

2

as in planning

to have in mind as a purpose or goal

he waited patiently, contemplating revenge all the while

Synonyms & Similar Words

• planning
• intending
• looking
• hoping
• going
• trying
• proposing
• wishing
• aiming
• meaning
• designing
• calculating
• meditating
• aspiring
• attempting
• purporting
• considering
• purposing
• pondering
• allowing
• dreaming
• debating
• figuring on
• plotting
• struggling
• endeavoring
• striving
• effecting
• accomplishing
• achieving
• performing
• executing
• mulling (over)
• scheming

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contemplating

With a new album out this summer—her first in a decade—Madonna’s reemergence on the pop scene has left many of us contemplating her ultimate place in its firmament. — Alex Frank, Vogue, 2 July 2026

The embarrassing episode also amplified questions about whether, in fact, Alito is contemplating retirement, a possibility some court watchers had already been discussing. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

Heading into July 2026, then, many may be contemplating the value of getting started with a program now. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 30 June 2026

And there’s still time to bring back Aaron Donald, with multiple reports that the 35-year-old is seriously contemplating a return. — Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 30 June 2026

But Cox and other officials warned anyone contemplating attending the fireworks festivities not to bring drones – or face arrest and a $100,000 fine. — Josh Meyer, USA Today, 29 June 2026

At one point officials were contemplating a proposal for a hotel along with newer retail, and only three years ago paid a $2 million settlement to a previous developer who accused the town of reneging on a deal. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026

On this late May evening, the 15 men gathered there were contemplating tackling something few had previously had the courage or skill to take on. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

Spike Lee — perhaps the first celebrity Knicks fans that comes to mind when contemplating the list — celebrated on the float that also carried Jalen Brunson. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 18 June 2026