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study

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verb

1
as in to research
to use the mind to acquire knowledge you'll have to study hard and learn all about the Revolutionary War in order to pass the history test

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb study differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of study are consider, contemplate, and weigh. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

When might consider be a better fit than study?

The meanings of consider and study largely overlap; however, consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

When would contemplate be a good substitute for study?

The synonyms contemplate and study are sometimes interchangeable, but contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

When is weigh a more appropriate choice than study?

Although the words weigh and study have much in common, 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 study
Noun
Anthocyanins are anti-inflammatory antioxidants that have been shown to inhibit the development of cancer in animal studies. Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 25 Oct. 2025 While his girlfriend’s commitment to her studies impressed him, the man admitted that her routine had become a nightly obstacle to his rest. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
Serrat, who studied art at École de Louvre before becoming a makeup artist, spent the weekend installing the space herself, mixing pigments and creating the visual narrative that’s key to her brand. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2025 Isaac, who studied viticulture and enology at Washington State University, is in charge of tending to the vines. Lauren Green, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for study
Recent Examples of Synonyms for study
Noun
  • The first two questions were about the investigations, and the third was about how great the games had been during the week.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Federal investigation reveals wide criminal net Browse the website of Chen’s Prince Group, and the company’s public image is one of charitable endeavors, business accolades and awards for corporate social responsibility initiatives, large donations to anti-Covid efforts, and education programs.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Filmmaking is blind instinct, petty calculations, smooth generalship, daydreaming, pig-headedness, grace, bluff, risk.
    Susan Sontag, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The colorful flowers are perfect for a photo-op or casual daydreaming.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Practical considerations In a delicate political and cultural landscape, brands must walk a fine line in discussing the benefits of clean fashion without fueling panic and misinformation.
    Sophie Benson, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • That call is all too real, according to Stephen Schwartz, an independent scholar who has extensively researched the history of America's nuclear command systems.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
  • BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For decades, conservation organizations have been working to restore oyster populations in the bay, accruing data along the way to learn from successes and failures.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Therapy dogs with the nonprofit also help children learn to read and assist in clinical therapy settings.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If the White House must be remade, let there be a plan; let it be debated; let the financing be transparent and free of kickbacks and corruption.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The Cleveland Browns drafted two rookie quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft, a move that was highly debated at the time and a storyline that hasn't gone away since.
    Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The alternative story of Helen’s Egyptian detour invites a more critical examination of the relationship between war and story by highlighting the degree to which humans have been conditioned by a narrative that presents war as the ultimate stage for personal and national glory.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The femur bone was taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for examination.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Chamomile softens the flame, vanilla sweetens the smoke, and the result is all loving, never strange… a total trance.
    Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
  • My deep tissue massage using warm basalt stones and a local scrub made with salt from the nearby ponds left me in a dreamlike trance.
    Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Study.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/study. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

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