study 1 of 2

study

2 of 2

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
Director James Cameron commissioned a study replicating the conditions of the door scene in 2023 which yielded varied results. Angelina Liu, People.com, 4 July 2025 Such a study would help to clarify whether these bacteria lead to less PFAS in the human gut—or even in other parts of the body. Nora Bradford, Scientific American, 4 July 2025
Verb
More than 20% of Americans live in rural areas, where Medicaid covers 1 in 4 adults, according to the nonprofit KFF, which studies health care issues. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 4 July 2025 Moriah Jones, who also studied cosmetology at the high school with Walker, said her friend was inspiring. Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for study
Recent Examples of Synonyms for study
Noun
  • Based on public feedback and the survey that closed June 17, Baird-Spencer said, the top three alternatives are expected to be presented to the City Council for consideration.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2025
  • Performance impacts are a consideration too, including physiological and mental impacts for athletes competing in extreme heat or experiencing long breaks during play.
    Claire Poole, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Another notebook contained lists of search engines for researching people’s personal information.
    Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 27 June 2025
  • Experts advise focusing on preparation, including refundable airfare and researching booking policies, to minimize potential travel problems.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The key is to know yourself and schedule a vacation that fits you, not to overthink (and over-plan) things, and learn from your mistakes.
    Lieke ten Brummelhuis, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • The jail currently offers programs for inmates to learn construction or culinary skills.
    Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • The Senate continues to debate the bill before sending it back to the House.
    Jay O'Brien, ABC News, 30 June 2025
  • The extent of the damage to Tehran’s nuclear program has been hotly debated ever since.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The Chartered Accountant path relies heavily on examinations and a multiyear internship period—no college credit hours required at all.
    Bryce Welker, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Any suggestions? — UNCOUPLED IN SOUTH CAROLINA DEAR UNCOUPLED: Get that husband of yours to his doctor for a thorough physical and neurological examination.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • Saturday is helmed by trance jammers Papadosio, the soul-smoldering Monophonics, the aforementioned My Son the Hurricane, Magoo, Sundays at Midnight and lepecial holding the after party (July 24-26. crystalbaycasino.com/gamblers-run-music-festival).
    Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
  • References to New York City venues and streets grace songs whose synths tilt toward trance music while lyrics speak to clawing toward a hard-won joie de vivre.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The panel of eight men and four women continued deliberating the charges against Combs after not reaching a verdict on the first day of deliberations.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • Multiple notes were sent back from the jury throughout the roughly 10 hours of deliberations so far.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • But its recurring theme — Ed as a jealous interloper undermining owner Wilbur Post’s domestic life — can be read as a surreal meditation on masculinity, autonomy and repression in suburban America.
    Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025
  • Like in New York’s Central Park, locals love to bring a blanket and sprawl on the springy turf, canoodling, reading books, and snoozing beneath the skyline.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Study.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/study. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on study

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!