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 His desire to poke, prod, and contemplate the perverse ironies of mortality is still present and accounted for, however. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025 The attorneys highlight that the deal contemplates schools sharing around 50% of athletic revenues with athletes when new forms of direct athlete pay are added to full scholarships and other benefits of grant-in-aids. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 15 Apr. 2025 The fixer seems to contemplate the request but rebuffs Bella and tells her to call her husband. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025 While contemplating his former love and his future as a father, Massey conjures up the apparition of his beloved Catherine. Claire Franken, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
Verb
  • Once the news of her pending nuptials to ex-professional snowboarder Shaun White hit, inquiring minds were quick to ponder what her bridal beauty prep and wedding makeup looks might entail.
    Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Exploring themes of empty consumerism, social isolation, and toxic masculinity before that phrase entered the cultural lexicon, American Psycho gives the audience a lot to ponder in addition to operating as an entertaining horror film.
    Johnny Loftus, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This document is intended to provide an overview of the changing state of our knowledge about the process itself and its impact on our environment.
    Alex Goy, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025
  • How is this playing out in 2025? California leaders say that their sanctuary policies are intended to ensure undocumented immigrants can live in their communities without fear of deportation.
    Soumya Karlamangla, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Everton’s new owners, The Friedkin Group (TFG), has been impressed with performances since its takeover in December and getting a new deal for Sorensen over the line was considered part of the next step in the women’s team’s new era under its ownership.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Media reports suggest Rubio skipped the talks over Ukraine's refusal to consider the U.S. proposal on Crimea.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The new vehicle is also planned for eventual production in China and Europe, Reuters has previously reported.
    Abhirup Roy, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Local clubs planned their yearly budgets around when their members could work the concession stands.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In a sweet moment shared by the NBA, Clark was seen entertaining two of White's sons, bringing them into frame to wave at the camera when she was captured on the Jumbotron.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The change is one that has left Morton suitably entertained.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • However, in the future, Yamaha hopes to use other tank alternatives to integrate more efficiently and fit better inside the boat hull.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Image India warmly welcomed Vance Vice President JD Vance began a four-day visit to India yesterday and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a time when the country hopes to dodge steep U.S. tariffs.
    Justin Porter, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Kicking things off, Samantha, who had been debating on leaving the show in the previous episode, managed to pull Farmer John, 25, aside for what proved to be a pivotal conversation.
    Dory Jackson, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The origins of the pandemic have been hotly debated since its start.
    Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This means every resume review or coaching session reduces the amount of time available with the coaches.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The drop means a massive decline in his first NFL contract that stands at $43 million and counting, depending on where Sanders is picked.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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