study 1 of 2

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
These players were disproportionately Black, Hispanic, lower-income and non-high school graduates, the Howard Center found in its analysis of other reports and statewide studies. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025 For the study, researchers gave two groups of men — 20 between the ages of 18 and 35, and 21 others between the ages 60 and 80 — a high-fat milkshake. Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
The team now plans to study more protostars in the outer galaxy to see if ejection cycles or molecular chemistry change with metallicity. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025 Padley studied classics and history at Baylor University, worked with the Hertog Institute as a political studies fellow and a humanities program facilitator. Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for study
Recent Examples of Synonyms for study
Noun
  • As part of the investigation, the FA leant on analysis of the four suspicious matches provided by Stats Perform Integrity Services (SPIS), which is a division of data company Stats Perform.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • In addition to the Homeland Security Investigations Task Force, other agencies involved in the investigation were the Fayetteville, Eureka Springs, Harrison, Springdale and Berryville police departments, according to the release.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Those daydreaming of taking in the sweeping sunrise vistas across Middle Harbour just got lucky because one of the most significant abodes on the street just surfaced on market for the first time in over four decades.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2025
  • This is a train ride for daydreaming, drawing, reading, playing cards, or any other low-tech pursuit.
    Alesandra Dubin, AFAR Media, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • For industries that involve high-consideration, expensive purchases like buying a car, finding the right balance between automation and human connection is critical.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • And while Miller is garnering consideration to replace Trouba and become the 29th captain in franchise history, the stronger winds seem to be blowing toward veteran center Vincent Trocheck.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Working with Brian Rose, who spent the last five years trying to recreate the film with charcoal drawings, physical models of the sets, and researching storyboards and screenplay drafts, Showrunner will spend next two years to get as close as possible to Welles’ vision.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
  • BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Washington Examiner attended a press conference held by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Chia-lung Lin on Thursday, where the head diplomat expounded upon the lessons learned from observing the violence unfolding in Eastern Europe.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Instead of conquest, the focus was intimacy—feeling the land under your feet, learning animal tracks, listening to the bush itself.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The students in the club participated in National History Day, a competition where students present a topic of their interest, and the YMCA Youth and Government Program’s Model Legislative Session, where students debate bills at the Arizona Capitol.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Trials make disputes public, and jury trials allow citizens to debate the issues and return verdicts that reflect their community.
    Richard Lorren Jolly, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Other than in the Second Circuit, the federal courts of appeals generally have interpreted the Confrontation Clause to require face-to-face cross examination, and counsel should be wary of giving up that important right.
    Robert Anello, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The subcommittee heard their statements as part of an examination of a purportedly secret UFO retrieval program managed by the Pentagon.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Wendy slips into a trance state and begins to channel Lizzo.
    Allison P. Davis, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025
  • John whistles an old tune, a fragile attempt to break her trance.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 28 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Study.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/study. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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