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 That's not what the War Powers Resolution contemplated. Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 June 2025 Yet Trump, whose administration had entered into talks with Iran aimed at reaching an agreement on the country's nuclear program, has backed the Israeli offensive and has openly contemplated joining the Israeli campaign through strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025 Then again, living in New York City, there aren't many opportunities to contemplate camel textures. Matt Dutile, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025 Meanwhile, another group of people at the United Nations was contemplating a critical issue for the future of space exploration: the discovery, extraction and utilization of natural resources on the moon. Michelle L.d. Hanlon, Space.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemplate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemplate
Verb
  • The modern 55 and older homebuyer isn’t looking to sit all day on a recliner pondering our end of life options.
    Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The two countries have been engaged in aerial strikes and Trump had been pondering U.S. involvement for the past week.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Basically, the administration intends to fix the budget shortfall by using a soft-hand approach with hiring, personnel and operational matters.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Striped Button-downs Nautical stripes have been making major waves this summer (no pun intended), especially in the form of a breezy button-down top.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The county had considered a flood warning system on the river similar to a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, but Kelly said the idea never got off the ground and the cost would have been an issue.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 July 2025
  • And instead of Ziploc bags, consider these best-selling leakproof clear silicone bags that are so popular on Amazon that more than 4,000 were purchased in the last month alone.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • At the time, the app was only streaming sports trading card sellers but was planning to expand.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 30 June 2025
  • Recalibrate and communicate benefits around employee needs and value – Over the next three years according to the new survey, more than half (57%) of employers plan to reallocate or rebalance their benefit spending, adding or enhancing some benefits while reducing or removing others.
    John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • There’s no pressure to perform, no need to entertain or constantly talk.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The band’s repertoire will include a variety of music to entertain audiences of all ages.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • As European policymakers inch closer to issuing regulations on the mandatory implementation of eco-design principles to foster better textile and apparel recycling, CDC Studio hopes to come to the rescue with an alternative approach.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • Witt is hoping to play in his second All-Star Game.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The Senate continues to debate the bill before sending it back to the House.
    Jay O'Brien, ABC News, 30 June 2025
  • What also was achieved overnight from late Saturday evening until Sunday afternoon was the end of the road for Thom Tillis, the North Carolina Republican who voted against debating the bill and brought on the wrath of Trump promising a GOP primary next year.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • That could mean even greater affordability for smaller businesses adopting AI for their businesses.
    Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • For Gen Z, who are digital natives, that may mean becoming early adopters of AI technologies, which can give them an edge.
    Amit Walia, Fortune, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemplate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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